Let's Celebrate!

 I have several things I am lucky enough to be able to celebrate and share today.

1. My first guest blog thanks to Morgen Baily is now viewable at http://wp.me/p18Ztn-6m2

2. My first Giveaway on Goodreads is almost complete. The response has been far more than I could ever have imagined. 578 requests at time of writing and still rising!Thankyou to all those wonderful people who have entered the giveaway.

Gingerbread Aliens
by Sandra Bennett (Goodreads Author), Hayley Welsh (Illustrator)

Meet the three cheeky Bradberrie brothers, Brian the curious scientist, Simon the youngest and most mischievous and David who is always nervous about…more View Details »

Enter to win

Giveaway dates: Mar 17 - Apr 17, 2013

10 copies available, 578 people requesting

3. On a persoanl note, my second son and his lovely girlfriend announced their engagement! I am so pleased and happy for them both and wish them all the best for a wonderful future together. :)

This brought me to thinking about parties....... 

birthday parties for kids! Over the years we certainly have had our share. Some that were really successful and others not quite so good! One in particular comes to mind that we thought should have been a fantastic experience for our eldest son and his friends.
 
Mr 12 yr old informed us he was big enough to have a bushwalk for his birthday party and we didn't need to go with them ! "Oh No!" I hear you say. "You didn't agree!" Well, we kind of did. We gathered the boys together, at a local bushwalking track that our family had been on many times before. The boys were determined to go it alone. My husband drew a map in the sand with a stick to explain where they needed to go. They all nodded in agreement that they understood. BIG MISTAKE!

Never assume a 12yr old knows what he is looking at or what he is doing! I had a bad feeling, but agreed to let them go on ahead, giving them a 5 minute start. We would then follow, seemed like a reasonable compromise to me. After all, how much trouble could a group of boys get into if only 5 minutes ahead of us?

We finished the bushwalk and returned to the designated meeting place, but surprise, surprise, the boys were not there!

Fortunately one of them had a mobile phone, which my husband promptly rang. Where were they? Down by the waterfall....but there was no waterfall on the walk they should have been on!

We had to try to get them to backtrack, but the more they did, the more lost they became. Have you ever watched the 'Blair Witch Project"? Fear and terror could be heard in the voices in the background over the phone rather similar to that movie. I went home  to try to calmly explain to waiting parents that the boys had gone on a longer walk than planned, while my husband desperately tried to talk them out. Luckily, just as he was ready to give up and prepared to call Search and Rescue, the boys finally appeared. Exhausted, thirsty and elated !

The moral to this story, keep the party organised and never let your child or your husband talk you into anything you can't control !!





In other words party games at home are probably the best solution all round. As usual being keen to keep the kids reading while having fun, here's a few ideas for games that the kids will love and be reading along as they go!


1. Celebrity Heads: / Animal Heads (For younger kids)
   Use thick strips of cardboard to print names of celebrities (or animals) and staple together in a circle to fit heads.
One person at a time sits out the front with a celebrity name on their head. They have to guess who they are by asking questions. The audience can only reply with yes or no.


2. Charades:
 Always a fun one. You can use a ready bought pack of cards or make a stack of cards  yourself. Use TV shows, movies, books etc the kids will know.

3. Pass the Parcel with a Twist:
As the parcel is passed around the circle, when the music stops and the person with the parcel has to open a layer, inside they find a note they must read. It will tell them to perform an action, sing a song, tell a tale etc.

4.Secret Message Mystery:
A fun relay race for indoors or out.
Write an invisible message on two sheets of paper. Use Magical ink to write the message. (Magic Ink is easily made with lemon and water.) When the pages are dry add them to two seperate stacks of paper. Diviide the party goers into two groups. One player from each team must race down to their plie and take the top sheet of paper. Return to the team and using a torch see if they can read the message. Keep going until they find the message and perform the task.

5. Word Scramble.
Think of appropriate party words,(themed if the party is themed.) Write each word in large print on cardboard that you can cut into pieces so that each letter is seperated. Place each word in a pile of its own.
Each team may have three or more words to unscramble.
To make this a little quicker and easier to prepare, if you have the game Scrabble you can use the tiles. 

6. Story Challenge Game.
Great for sleep-overs when it is time to settle down into sleeping bags.
Give each team a funny or unusual setting, character etc to start their story written on a piece of paper. It can be used anywhere in the story, not necessarily at the beginning. Each person in the team must add their sentence or two to complete the story. It can go for 2 minutes, 5 or even 10, depending on their imagination. The other team has to try and work out which line was the story starter. eg "In a candy striped house beside the chocolate flowing river an orange bird chirped."

Last but not least Read them a favourite story to settle.

As always have lots of fun reading. :)

Finding a Happy Balance between Parent and Educator.

This week a friend came to me for a bit of advice as both a teacher and a mum. She and I are alike in that we have been both, the difference being where my boys are now grown, her boys are just starting out in the education mine feild. As a parent we expect the best education possible for our children, as a teacher we know we can give that, but if you don't agree with a curriculum decision made in the classroom just how far do to you take it?

I pondered on whether or not I should blog about this topic as it was a personal request, but then I decided perhaps whether or not you are a teacher, parents from all walks of life often have issues with the school and are unsure how to deal with them. I considered the perspectives of both parents and teachers and came up with the same conclusion. No matter which side of the fence you appear to be sitting on, we all want the same outcome. That is, an enjoyable, safe and memnerable learning environment and experience for our children.

I remembered many years ago back to when my eldest son was in Kindergarten. I had an issue with the classroom teacher at the time about a decision she made that I definately did not agree with. It effected my son and I was not at all happy. I spoke to her about it on several occassions, but the problem was never adequately resolved. In more recent years I struck the same issue with a boy in my own Kindergarten class. I decided to make sure that I spoke to his parent to reach a mutually satisfying agreeement on how to deal with the issue. This kept everyone happy at home and at school, but what do you do when you can't agree?

As a parent, you do have options. You can speak to the Executive teacher in charge of the year level, you can speak directly to the Principal. Some parents may even feel strongly enough to bring up the issue at a P&C or School Board meeting. All these options do have an effect on your child though whether you mean them to or not. Another option is to quietly withdraw your child from the event in question, (if that is possible). This in turn presents its own set of issues. The child is missing out on a group activity and may not understand your reasoning. However in the end, as a parent, only you know your child the best and what is most suitable for them, therefore you are the only person who can inevitably make the decision. Whatever that is, you and your child have to be happy with the choices you make. 

Your children are at school for many years. Whether you have one child or a dozen children, it all adds up to a lot of time spent co-ordinating between teacher and home. We all want those years to be happy ones.

My advice in the end? Pick your battles. Decide which ones are worth fighting over and which ones you can live with. Try not to stress over every little thing and look at the question from all sides of the equation before you go charging in. These days we all tend to have a little bit of a helicopter parent in us, hovering closely in case they fall. A well known psychologist, Dr John Irvine, once told me I had to learn to cut the umbilical chord and let my child grow. He was absolutely right! We all need to step back at times, take a deep breath and allow our children the chance to make their own decisions. Even if they make mistakes or we don't agree, at least they have a chance to learn, as long as we are there to help when needed.
After all isn't that what good parenting is all about?

Have an opinion or something you would like to share about this topic? I would be interested to read your comments.

Are We There Yet?

This week I was fortunate to be able to join a Jag Rally for a couple of days with my husband. As we drove along the winding mountain roads I remembered all the games we use to play with the kids in the car to keep them occupied to stop the duldrums and chorus of "Are we there yet?"

We began our journey as dawn broke over the charming farming community around Bredbo in southern NSW. Rose, lavender and powder blue hues mingled amongst the almost luminescent white mist that hugged the valley floor as the dawning sun embraced the mountains beyond. It was a truely spectacular start to the day. The scenery continued to surprise and delight me with every twist and turn as the day evolved, there was no way I was in any hurry to "get anywhere yet." I savoured every moment especially as we meandered along the winding roads of the high country in the Snowy Mountains that we had never driven along before. With barely a tree in sight it seemed like you could see forever across rugged rocky outcrops and hilltops. Eventually we made our way down into the rainforest where the scenes changed dramatically with tall green eucalypts stretching to the sky surrounded by a thick underbrush of ferns. There was always so much to observe and take in I could never be bored, but then I love driving in the country, not like kids who can't sit still for more than two minutes at a time.

 A game of I Spy obviously comes to mind, but this could be a tad difficult when the countryside is rather sparse. It's surprising what you can find though both inside and outside of the car.

A second great game based on knowing the alphabet is Last Letter where someone selects a category, food, songs, bands, countries etc, they then start by naming that place or thing. The next person has to say the next word starting with the last letter of the first word. eg: bannana, apple, eggplant, tangarine etc.

Another option for an alphabet game is Countries where you simply have to name countries in order from A to Z. When you get to the end you can start all over again as there are numerous countries starting with most letter of the alphabet. eg, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark etc. Argentina, Bulgaria, Chile, Dominican Republic etc.

Once you have practiced using the alphabet it's then time to start with some reading! Find the Alphabet is a great opportunity to have a bit of fun. Players look for each letter in order outside of the car.

Car Alphabet has each person scanning the number plates of passing vehicles for the first letter of the number plate. The idea is to start at A and make your way to Z. Take it in turns, say three cars at a time each before passing to the next person.

Name Game uses the first letter of a number plate as well. When a car goes past, try and be the first player to call out a name that starts with the same letter as the first letter on the number plate.

Bored with number plates? Ok, lets move on to signs, street signs, advertisements, cars, businesses anywhere you see words written along the roadside. Match the Word is a game where you must complete the alphabet by finding words on signs, staring with a word beginning with A, call out the letter and a word, eg A Albatross, then work your way through to Z.

A game where you can have a great deal of fun using your imagination is Rhyme Time. When you come across a sign, read it out loud and make a rhyme. eg South Creek "Be there in a week".

Thinking of using your imagination a great game that can keep the kids amused for ages ia Continuous Story. Each person is given one minute at a time to tell a story about anything at all, but it must continue from the one before. The story can change in all sorts of directions as each person takes another turn. One person, (who doesn't get car sick) might like to write it down.

The key to any of these games is to keep it simple, have fun, and enjoy! Never take car games too seriuosly and remember to take a break and let the kids run around and burn off some steam!

A recorded story to listen to in the car when parents need a break is always a good idea. There are so many on the market these days but another great idea is to get the kids to record their favourtie stories before they leave on the road trip. They'll love listening to themselves (or you for younger ones) telling the story. For a great story even the most reluctant reader will love to read over and over and always get lots of laughs go to www.gingerbread-aliens.com and purchase a copy. Don't forget to supply head phones so you can have some quiet time!

One last option, the kids can always try their hand at writng poetry. On the road there is always plenty to inspire. Below is a link to a copy of my poem titled The Road Trip for added motivation. With the school holidays almost upon us once again, if you are planning a road trip I hope some of these tips help. Enjoy. :)

http://www.writing.com/main/view_item/item_id/1787083-The-Road-Trip

An Expat Family Easter in Thailand

The International school did an Easter Hat Parade, the Pattaya International Ladies Club put on a luncheon to raise money for the children of the local orphanage, but when I informed our boys that we were going to an Easter Egg treasure Hunt and lunch at the Thai Amari Orchid Hotel on Easter Sunday, to say they were excited was an understatement.

The gardens at the hotel were spectacular by anyones standards. Orchids of all colours, sizes and species bloomed in abundance alongside lotus flowers, lillies and all sorts of fragrant flowers that were a buzz to the senses. It was a very tranquil setting amidst the hustle and bustle of the beachside resort. A refreshing escape from the turmoil of the traffic of baht buses and bikes rushing around with a constant stream of tourists and Thais hanging from every part of the vehicles

Here we were able to relax and enjoy our Easter Sunday. Celebrate with good friends. Enjoy a smorgasbourd of exotic foods and chat and laugh the afternoon away. The long trellis linen clothed table was covered in an array of tropical wonders. Watermelon, rockmelon, pineapple and star fruit sculptures cleverly decorated the centre in a lusciously inviting manner. Yet despite all the splendour that surrounded us there was only one thing on the minds of our not quite five year old and seven and a half year old sons.

The Easter Egg Treasre Hunt! It couldn't come soon enough for the eager juniour members of the expat community.  Bear in mind the constant humidity and engulfing heat of tropical Thailand, while mums and dads were happy to sit quietly and sip on tall chilled glasses of juice, beer and champagne, the kids were keen to run all over the garden in search of their treasure. Imagine the surprise and disappointment when my boys discovered the Easter eggs were not chocolate! They were beautifully hand painted blown out egg shells. Have you ever tried to explain to a four year old that the Easter Bunny couldn't leave chocolate eggs in the garden because they would melt too quickly?  By the time the eggs would have been found they would have turned to a dripping pool of mush!

It was very hard to find chocolate easter eggs anywhere in Pattaya that year. So the Easter Bunny only left one small egg for each son and a promise to do better next year. Fortunately things did in fact improve the following year as the hotel shops were more prepared for the expat community expectations and needs.
However forwarned is forarmed and to prevent disappointment other activities could have been added to the treasure hunt to make it more enjoyable and memorable.

An Easter Egg Hunt with Games and Activities attached could be a lot of fun and help with that ever elusive reading practice. Since chocolate was out of the question due to the heat,  we could have used cardbourd eggs and hid actions or activities inside them. As the children varied in ages and reading ability, it would be best to pair up older children with younger children. This encourages co-operation and team spitit too! The activities on the cards could include fun hints like "hop like a bunny to the nearset tree", or "jump on the spot and count to ten." When each child or pair has then done a designated amount of activities they could then be directed to a small gift.

A Scavenger Hunt is another great idea when chocolate easter eggs are out of the question and it also provides another source of reading that the kids don't realise they are doing while they are so busy having fun! Give each child or pair, depending on ages and ability levels, a list of things to go and find and bring back. To add to the tension you could set a time limit if you wish.  The list can be kept simple with things like, a tiny fluffy yellow chicken, a ribbon, or a hat, or the list could be more complex with things like a specific coloured ribbon for each pair, a different coloured pencil, or clothes peg, a scarf, the list is only limited by your imagination.

For a lot more Easter fun activities and games visit
http://www.activityvillage.co.uk/easter_games.htm

For tips on how to decorate a hard boiled easter egg or Blown out Egg visit http://www.achievesuccess.com.au/easter/decorating_easter_eggs.htm
While you're in the mood for cooking, don't forget the recipe for making your very own gingerbread aliens is on mywebsite and please take a photo and send them in, I'd love to see the results!
lhttp://gingerbread-aliens.com/recipes.html

Raising Awesome Readers: "The World is Full of Cans not Cannots"

Raising Awesome Readers: "The World is Full of Cans not Cannots": "Your son cannot sit still!" "Your son cannot concentrate!" "Your son cannot hold a pencil properly!" &...

"The World is Full of Cans not Cannots"

"Your son cannot sit still!"

"Your son cannot concentrate!"

"Your son cannot hold a pencil properly!"

"Your son cannot read the entire alphabet!"

"Your son cannot write his full name!"

"All he wants to do is play with the big tonka trucks. "

I glanced up at the brand new, shiny, clean, bright yellow trucks high on display well out of reach on top of the cupboard.

"They do not come down!" the pre-school teacher continued.

"Hang on a minute!!" I was in absolute disbelief with what I was hearing. My son was four years old and this was suppose to be pre-school where you learn through fun, play and social interaction....don't you??? Alarm bells were ringing in my ears, no wonder he was coming home so exhausted.

We had moved to Thailand from Australia only a few weeks previously and I had put the two eldest boys in the closest school to our new home that had been recommended to us. I thought I had done the right thing. Obviuosly I was wrong. The negativity overwhelmed me. The classroom was sterile and unfriendly. Never put your kids into a school, site unseen even if you do move to an unknown country, do your homework first!. I pulled them both out immediately.

The next day we drove to another school with a pre-school attached. It was much further away, so it meant a much earlier start for the boys, that did concern me at first...until I saw the school. We drove through a golf course to enter with magnificent manicured lawns and fragrant gardens that burst in an abundance of vibrant colour.You couldn't help but feel welcome from the onset. As we parked and walked through the entrance I first saw the banner that spread across the hallway.

"The World is Full of Cans not Cannots"

What a great positive motto to greet the students each day as they arrived at school. I have remembered this sign ever since and every time a student of mine has said they couldn't do something, I have quoted this to remind them that anything is possible if you just try. You may not be able to do it today, but with a little practice, oneday just maybe, you will.

We were shown into the pe-school room and couldn't believe our eyes. My four year old was gob-smacked! His jaw dropped, he beamed up at me and asked, "Mummy, can I really go here everyday instead?" 

There was a water play area, a sandpit, a paint corner, a dress-up corner , a drawing area, a big book area, cushions to sit or sleep on and in the far back corner an American Indian Tee Pee! The staff were so friendly and welcoming. The children invited him over to play immediately. Straight away we felt so comfortable and at home, the decision was made, there was no doubt where the boys would be attending school. They spent the next two years there while we lived in Thailand and never looked back. In fact I even finished up teaching there as well, it was such a wonderful place to be.

It doesn't matter whether the pre-school or school is just down the road from where you live, or whether you have to move states or countries, what is important is that you get the right educational fit for you and your family. Don't take it for granted that if something works for a friend that it will be right for you. Recommendations are great, but you do need to look into educational fascilities yourself. They vary greatly depending on peoples needs. Don't make the same mistake I did and let the company my husband worked for tell us where to place our kids. That was very naive of me and I learnt the hard way, we were lucky it did all work out in the end and the boys had the best education in an excellent International school that I couldn't fault. It was a great beginning not only to their learning but to their social acceptance of every culture imaginable.

Of cause the three brothers in Gingerbread Aliens attend their local Primary school as it happens to back onto their backyard. What family wouldn't want the convenience of being able to simply walk next door to school? See what trouble this lands the boys in though when they inadvertently break their feared School Principal's office window while cooking for the school fete.
 www.gingerbread-aliens.com

A Taste of Thailand - Writing.Com

 Memories of Thailand Came Flooding Back.

This week I became a member of the Goodreads Author community. As I sat to consider and compile the long list of all the books I have read over the years I realised that as a former Primary school teacher and now children's author, naturally most of my favourite books I listed were from the Children's and Young Adult genres.
However there were also a good many books I have read from a wide range of genres depnding on my mood and needs just as I have always advocated to the kids I have taught. A key to not getting bored with reading is to read from as many genres as possible. Read from wherever the whim may take you.

The book I found myself drawn to review first was actually one I read many years ago while living in Thailand.
"Mai Pen Rai Means Never Mind" by Carol  Hollinger.
 http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6539129.Sandra_Bennett.
Her experiences of expat life may have been written about life in Thailand in the 1950's and 60's and I was there in the mid 90's but nothing appeared to have changed greatly. The Mai Pen Rai attitde was still and always will be the basic foundation of Thai everyday life that keeps life simple and stress free.

As I wrote my review many fond memories came rushing back to the forefront of my brain. I was desperate to write them all down, keen to record the stories of my families experiences and adventures. I wrote a story about one of those experience and shared it on writing.com in 2011. Below is the link to that story to share with everyone now.

A Taste of Thailand - Writing.Com

If you click on the Goodreads link you will find my review of Mai Pen Rai, while you're there you can always take a moment to add a rating or review of Gingerbread Aliens too!