The Emperor's New Clothes

Who Remembers the story of the Emperor's New Clothes?

I recently told this classic take by Hans Christen Anderson to someone who needed a reminder of the inherent lesson of the story. ( She had unbelievably never heard it! ) 

I do not have this particular version, but am definitely going to order it based on the rave reviews. 

This version is said to be cleverly illustrated and adapted to reading or telling to small groups. It is a modern and succinct retelling that works well for sharing aloud.

The story is apparently shortened but otherwise mostly faithful to the original telling, except for a surprise ending that I will not give away!

I'm thinking it would be a great way to incorporate character education and social learning into the classroom. Has anyone read this one? Please tell us about it in the comments area.

To order your very own classroom or personal library copy, visit this link:

The Emperor's New Clothes


Contact Us: bg.bgini@gmail.com 

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Sam's Sandwich

Sam's Sandwich:

Sam's sister wants a sandwich...

When Samantha wants a really special sandwich, her brother Sam offers to make her an unforgettable treat, filled with everything she wants...with everything on it...and a few not-so-delicious extras too. Sneaky Sam can't wait to add a few wriggling surprises. 

The book is shaped like a sandwich and the pages are shaped like all sorts of sandwich fillers (cheese, cucumbers, tomatoes, etc.) with flaps to lift. The rhyming text makes it fun for kids to guess what is hidden under the flaps on each page and they will love the "gross" aspect of the book. They can lift the flaps and find out just how disgusting Sam can make his sister's sandwich. 

Unfold the lettuce, tomato and cheese fillings in this sandwich-shaped book and guess which creepy-crawly rhyming surprise Sam has added to each layer for his greedy sister.

This is the bestselling classic novelty book, now back in print. The rhyming text is perfect to read aloud and will keep children ages 4-9 delighted and guessing about Sam's next creepy-crawly surprise.

Find and order a copy of Sam's Sandwich here!





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Mother Hina-A Hawaiian Tale

IMAGE: Origin Unknown

One of my most popular camp themes is Oceania-which includes Australia as well as the many islands surrounding it. There are many ocean-themed stories but one of my personal favorites is a legend that was originated by islanders in Hawaii. When I use this story I simplify it and adapt to my young audience and add an art activity so that all the kids can relate and participate.   

Contact: bg.bgini@gmail.com

The Legend of Hina, the Polynesian Goddess of the Moon & Stars, serves as a fantastic basis for a day of educational games and related activities.

Here is the version of the story that we use:

Listen to "Mother Hina-Queen of the Moon and Stars" Here

To read more about this storybook, click here

How Children Benefit from Learning Sign Language

PHOTO: commons.wikimedia.org 

*This post was originally on our S.M.Art Kids/Healthy Kids blog on June 19, 2013. It has been updated and edited slightly from the original.

Communication is what relationships are built upon.
Communication is a personal and unique thing. There are so many subtleties that occur during a social exchange, and I am all for anything that facilitates the process.

It has been a long-held, common belief that if you teach a child sign and spoken language at the same time it inhibits the acquisition of spoken language and confuses them. I have always disagreed, but I just didn't have the right letters after my name for anyone to take me seriously. 

There is has been recent research that reveals how sign language can actually ENHANCE a child’s acquisition of spoken language. (See links below post.)

Back in the 90's when I began working in the autism field with ABA (Applied Behavioral Analysis), on of the first things that we were taught, was that sign language discouraged spoken language.  Before iPads there was the Dynavox, and in my particular job, these were forbidden as were PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System). We were to wait until the child asked for the desired item, ignoring them if they did not "use their words".  Once the child actually spoke, we were told to be (freakishly) enthusiastic, get down on the child's level and exclaim, "GOOD JOB!"  or  "NICE TALKING!"  (High 5's or tickling were also recommended if we wanted to really "encourage" the child to speak more.)  

Eye contact was, and still is emphasized. If a child spoke but did not give eye contact, some therapists would turn the child's head, physically with  hands and make them look, OR move their own heads-sometimes in ridiculous positions  - to meet eyes; OR hold a toy at eye level until the child looked and then snatch it away so now there was eye contact by default.  (This, we were told encourages "spontaneous engagement" and just to clarify,  it was NOT a speech therapist who taught me this. Now, the idea of using these methods at all just makes me cringe. )

I was what you would call an unconventional  "non-compliant" therapist who accepted approximation and the child's own hand signals as valid communication. I simply refused to turn my back on a child in order to "make" him talk-or employ any of the other methods that just seemed to unnaturally attempt to evoke spontaneous engagement. How ironic that we were supposedly prompting out behaviors that would alienate them from peers, and yet our own behaviors as we were taught to use for teaching, would have made others in the adult world, had we behaved that way, definitely back away and question our sanity. (As an aside, if you are a therapist and do any of what is in the above paragraph, PLEASE stop, and just read this article on eye contact .)

I am not a speech pathologist by trade, and I have been out of the field for a while, but does anyone else find these methods ridiculous and cruel? How on earth any science could promote this, is beyond me, I don't care HOW much "evidence" has been collected (and manipulated). 

What has happened to just communicating with simplicity, common sense and humanity? (Says the one who has written a longer-than-usual post!)

I'm sure that ABA has a place somewhere in the many different therapy approaches available- but what parents and educators do NOT know, is that at the root of ABA 'therapy'  is behaviorism which is less about communicating, learning and thriving and more about compliance. Behaviorism essentially holds that the behaviors of the "human organism" (the term for "humans" used by B.F.Skinner ,)  is driven  by outside forces.  Skill, ability, free will, mood, illness  and internal motivation does not enter into it at all.  Nor does the ability to communicate, the sensory system, muscle tone, coordination, trust, connection to the therapist, diet or stress factors.

Behaviorists further hypothesize that if a child is not doing what is asked, or replying with the correct answer, it is N/C (non-compliance) and that these N/C "human organisms" can be and should be controlled.  Let me ask you: who would be easier to "control" than a non-verbal autistic, sensory challenged or deaf child? Why is it OK for us to control & manipulate kids, when we would reprimand them for trying to manipulate us? Where do you think they learned how to manipulate? And how does this impact communication?

It should scare us that nonverbal (and verbal) children are conditioned to give the "right" answer-not the truthful one, and to do whatever the nearest adult tells them to.

I left the ABA industry years ago after questioning the way we were communicating with the kids. I never got answers, and subsequently had the "ABA" communication methods used on me, (for real-ignored me when I called for a schedule!)  Not only it did not succeed in controlling me, but made me more convinced that the only thing this particular company was doing was keeping the kids compliant and dependent on us. 

The experience instead, showed me firsthand how important (and taken for granted)  two-way communication is, and since then, I have put communication at the center of every interaction, program, manual, workshop and book that I have written. Simply put, I want the information I pass on to be easily understood by everyone so it can be adapted & used effectively by each individual.

Science tells us how a "typical" brain as well as a "non-typical" brain works &  how stress affects the way we act. We know that our human stress response is in place to protect us, and in order to do that when activated, it has to temporarily interrupt our physiology & brain processing, especially our ability to communicate.

Let me give you an example: You are at dinner and you begin to choke. You cannot speak to tell someone you need help. The people around you have no idea you are choking because you can't tell them. Your stress response is on "high" and your actions become desperate & erratic, and people still don't understand. They think you are messing around or have incredibly bad table manners.

But, now what if someone had taught you  a universal hand signal that one could use when choking, so that others nearby would understand what was going on and how to help? Well now you have changed the entire scenario. And yes-we have one of those-as well as the Heimlich Maneuver, to help choking victims. Both of these simple tools-one for communication and the other for action, have helped prevent many tragedies for those who have learned and used them.

Overly dramatic? Maybe. But now think about & relate this in terms of how we communicate with children:  

when we turn away from and 'tune out' a child who is trying to communicate with us; 

when we ignore a child who is trying to ask us for help; 

when we don't provide the proper, useful tools for effective communication-both the sender AND the receiver; 

when we assume the child is just being "bad"; 

When we abandon common sense and encourage compliance (giving the "correct" answer) over true communication, we inhibit an opportunity for any functional communication and learning to happen. 

We cause trauma & trigger a stress response exactly like the one in the above scenario when we purposely do not listen to our kids, especially when they need us. The human brain cannot tell if a threat is real, imagined, perceived, big or little, it responds in the EXACT same way to all stress. A brain/body in survival mode cannot  communicate, learn or think logically. It can only survive, and to do this it retreats into primal reflexes and responses that are grossly misunderstood by the "calm/logical" un-stressed brains nearby.

In addition, it takes up to several hours before the adrenalin level drops enough so the child can explain what was happening. Adrenalin stays in the body and can be re-activated for up to 24 hours after a stressful situation.

This is why it is so important to acquire communication tools yourself, as well as teach your children, students, peers and siblings a variety of methods of communication, including sign language, PECS, iTalk, and others.  These simple tools expand a child's capacity for receptive and expressive speech and enhances the communication process which is critical for not only safety, but also for relationships, academic and social learning. 

Communication is what relationships are built upon. These simple tools open doors and help limit the stress response as well as the often misunderstood behaviors that accompany it. 

Read the study here: 

Deaf Children Benefit From Learning Sign Language Study Says


Related Links:

Deaf Awareness: Talk Normally

School Cafeterias and Choking Prevention

A Word About Eye Contact

Sign Language Use: The Evidence Supports It

Improving Communication Skills in Children with Special Needs

Signing Families Sign Language Instruction

10 Non-Verbal Communication Tips

7 Assistive Communication Apps

Autistic Communication Differences

American Sign Language University (Online-LOTS of visuals!)

23 Ways to Communicate with a Non-Verbal Child

Listen with your Heart: Active Listening in the Classroom


Slightly off the topic but still relevant: 

An excellent and enlightening book on the topic of external motivators is: 
Punished by Rewards: The Trouble with Gold Stars, Incentive Plans, A's, Praise, and Other Bribes , by Alfie Kohn.  A MUST read for every parent & educator!


Contact: bodylogique@yahoo.com 

Monkey Hip Gumbo (Music)

Monkey Hip Gumbo and Mothball Stew
Brent Lewis

Just try and sit still while this music is playing! The CD is fun to play for kids. Its an interesting & unique blend of percussion and other instruments & some vocals, with fun, lively rhythms. A booklet is included with a fantastic story of all the animals in the jungle. It is excellent music for creative play, transitioning to another activity or playing Freeze Dance, Dancing Scarves and other children's games. It makes you want to get up and move and will be a perfect addition to your classroom, fitness or World Music collection



$16.56

My Friend with Autism

'My Friend with Autism' is the result of Beverly Bishop’s determination to educate her son’s classmates about autism.

A peer narrator explains that his friend with autism is good at some things and not so good at others—just like everyone else!

This book includes notes for Adults, which supplement the text with facts and explanations to further educate teachers and classmates’ parents, and a companion CD containing a printable coloring page for every page of the book.

Also Includes:

18 Signs and Symptoms of an Autism Spectrum Disorder
10 Quick Strategies for Helping a Child with Autism
Recommended Reading
And more!

Learn more about this book here: My Friend With Autism




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Corduroy

My daughter recommends:

"Corduroy"


This is such a sweet endearing story, with brightly colored pictures. I can see why its one of her favorites.

Her Nonno (grandfather) used to read this to her along with her stuffed Corduroy Bear. She liked that Corduroy so cute and her favorite part is when he is looking for his button.  Although her copy has been donated & passed on for a younger child to enjoy, she still smiles and reminisces when she sees one in the store.

Description From Amazon:

Have you ever dreamed of being locked in a department store at night? The endearing story of Corduroy paints a picture of the adventures that might unfold (for a teddy bear at least) in such a situation. When all the shoppers have gone home for the night, Corduroy climbs down from the shelf to look for his missing button. It's a brave new world! He accidentally gets on an elevator that he thinks must be a mountain and sees the furniture section that he thinks must be a palace. He tries to pull a button off the mattress, but he ends up falling off the bed and knocking over a lamp. The night watchman hears the crash, finds Corduroy, and puts him back on the shelf downstairs. The next morning, he finds that it's his lucky day! A little girl buys him with money she saved in her piggy bank and takes him home to her room. Corduroy decides that this must be home and that Lisa must be his friend. Youngsters will never get tired of this toy-comes-alive tale with a happy ending, so you may also want to seek out Dan Freeman's next creation, A Pocket for Corduroy. (Ages 3 to 8) 

Order Your Copy Here

Order "My First Corduroy" Cuddly Plush Bear

Bonus Activities!

Preschool Activities for Corduroy the Bear

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Blueberries for Sal

Blueberries for Sal! I had this book AND the 45 RPM record when I was a kid! (Yes-I just about gave away my age! For those of you that have no idea what I'm talking about, a "45" is a pre-historic "CD" ; )

I wore that record (and the book) ragged! So glad to see this one is still around. Perfect for very young children.

From Amazon:

Puffin continues to update the Puffin Storytapes, audio program, and this season we're adding another award-winning title to our list of Puffin Storytime packages: Caldecott Honor book Blueberries for Sal. The Puffin picture book will be accompanied by a compact disc that features a lively, professional reading of the story. Perfect for road trips or bedtime reading, story time, preschool, or home school, Puffin Storytime will please children and parents alike.




Get Blueberries for Sal here at Amazon

Bonus Activities:

Blueberries for Sal Literature Guide

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Blue Hat, Green Hat

Hilarious silliness for ages 1 and up!

The book on the surface is about colors, but on a more subtle level, about much more. The story is a great way to teach kids that its ok to make mistakes & to associate doing something unusual with fun. The illustrations are silly as well & engages the reader's sense of the ridiculous. 

The plot: clothes are put on animals: (an elephant, a bear, a moose, and a turkey.) The turkey always seems to have the clothes on in some strange way (shirt around tail feathers but not on legs, hat on the feet, pants around head and chest, socks on front feathers, coat on beak, etc.). 

Amazon Describes it:

Serious silliness for all ages. Artist Sandra Boynton is back and better than ever with completely redrawn versions of her multi-million selling board books. These whimsical and hilarious books, featuring nontraditional texts and her famous animal characters, have been printed on thick board pages, and are sure to educate and entertain children of all ages.



Order Yours here from Amazon!

Bonus:

Extension Activities for "Blue Hat, Green Hat

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Over The Moon

"Goodnight comb, good night brush...goodnight nobody, goodnight mush. Goodnight to the old lady whispering hush...

I have lost count of how many time I have read this book or told this story to my daughter! Goodnight Moon is probably my her favorite book from childhood. It is stored proudly on her bookshelf among "Twilight" and her other teen novels.

As a child, she found the rhyme to be so settling and calming as she got ready to go to sleep. When she was old enough she would sweetly read the book to me, with her Teddy bear and stuffed bunny reading along with her!

From Amazon:

In the great green room, tucked away in bed, is a little bunny. "Goodnight room goodnight moon"

Goodnight Moon is one of the most enduring and beloved children's books of all time. This classic of modern children's literature is read and reread to countless children every night worldwide. Goodnight Moon, The Runaway Bunny, and My World together form a wonderful trio of books for any child about to embark on a lifelong love of reading. Take any child Over the Moon.

I have given this book as a baby shower gist many times over. I highly recommend it for your personal library!


Over The Moon Collection (by Margaret Wise Brown)


Bonus: 

Receptive & Expressive Language Activity:

Sequencing with *PECS Cards (*Picture Exchange Communication System)

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My Mommy & Me

I personally have not read this book, but it comes highly recommended for ages 2 and up. I was told its a colorful book with a short story that makes it just right for bedtime story.

As described on Amazon.com:

Award-winning illustrator, Tina Macnaughton, captures the boundless love that Little Mouse and her Mommy share.

Little Mouse loves to skip and run, splish and splash and, most of all, have fun with her Mommy.

Soft washes of colors and a spirited, rhythmic text demonstrate the love that this mother and child share. This lovely book is a wonderful gift for Mother's Day.

Look for My Daddy and Me, also by Tina Macnaughton, to complete the perfect set. 

If you have any comments or input on this story, please leave us a comment below!





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The Five Fingered Family

I have always used storytelling & folktales in one way or another when I have worked with kids. The Five Fingered Family is a re-telling of an old tale from India, that highlights strength in unity. This particular version was written by my first yoga teacher, Shakta Khalsa, who brings the story new meaning by naming the families, using Punjab words for "Finger" and "greed". My daughter and i have loved this book, that Shakta was kind anough to autograph for me!

Other themes of greed, responsibility and overcoming obstacles are more subtle but still visible. The illustrations are artistic, colorful & absolutely beautiful!

Here is the Amazon description:

From the Punjab people of Northern India comes this lavishly illustrated, timeless tale of strength in unity. Papa Angulee and his family make up the five whose power lies in working together like fingers of a hand. When a very ugly troll tries to capture them, he becomes afraid of their united strength and gives them a treasure in exchange for his life. Everything goes wrong when a greedy neighbor decides to try his family's luck with the troll - and returns with a treasure far beyond jewels!

Shakta Kaur Khalsa's interpretation of this ancient story brings an important message to modern families. Siri-Kartar K. Khalsa's illustrations combine the spontaneity and naturalism of Persian composition in 16-18th century Mughal paintings and an Indian sense of colour from Rajput 18th century miniatures.

I use this book often for storytelling groups and yoga classes ages 5-10. The discussions that arise are so very interesting in that they show just how much kids understand.

Here is my humble recording of this beautiful story:

The Five Fingered Family (Recorded & read by Barbara Gini)


Order this wonderful book for your library here:

Contact: bg.bgini@gmail.com  

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The Great Kapok Tree

The Great Kapok Tree was introduced to me by my daughter a few years ago. They were reading it in her 5th grade classroom. As soon as I received my copy, I was hooked! There are so many environmental & character themes in this book-and dozens of ways to weave into character ed, yoga, environmental ed or classroom curricula.  Here is what Amazon has to say about it:


The author and artist Lynne Cherry journeyed deep into the rain forests of Brazil to write and illustrate her gorgeous picture book The Great Kapok Tree: A Tale of the Amazon Rain Forest (1990). One day, a man exhausts himself trying to chop down a giant kapok tree. While he sleeps, the forest’s residents, including a child from the Yanomamo tribe, whisper in his ear about the importance of trees and how “all living things depend on one another” . . . and it works. Cherry’s lovingly rendered colored pencil and watercolor drawings of all the “wondrous and rare animals” evoke the lush rain forests, and the stunning endpapers feature world maps bordered by tree porcupines, emerald tree boas, and dozens more fascinating creatures.

Awards: IRA Teacher’s Choice (1991), ABA’s Pick of the Lists, Reading Rainbow Review Book, NSTA-CBC Outstanding Trade Book for Children


Listen to The Great Kapok Tree at the link below:

The Great Kapok Tree (Recorded & read by Barbara Gini)


Order your copy  from Amazon.com:

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The Dandelion Seed

Most of us think of dandelions as just weeds-but my daughter has always loved them. We look at them as a symbol of perseverance and tenacity! This is a sweet book about overcoming fears & letting go, with lots of other symbolism in it. The beautiful color illustrations and simple language make it perfect for children ages 4 and up.


Amazon Description:

A dandelion can teach much about seeds and seasons and cycles, and the big world that a wind-blown seed can travel, but it also can make us appreciate the challenges it must overcome. This gorgeous book is at once simple and profound. You may be surprised and pleased by the questions and observations of your children after reading this together.

Listen here:

The Dandelion Seed (Recorded & read by Barbara Gini)


Order a copy for your personal library here

Contact: barbara@bodylogique.com

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Wild Things!

My copy of Where the Wild Things Are is well loved and has even survived a flooded apartment.

One of my favorite things about this book is its simplicity. Its about a child's imagination. I have used this successfully in storytelling circles, as well as adaptive yoga classes. Lots of ways to incorporate this story into a whole-child learning experience!

Read the Amazon description below:

In the forty years since Max first cried "Let the wild rumpus start," Maurice Sendak's classic picture book, Where the Wild Things Are has become one of the most highly acclaimed and best-loved children's books of all time. Now, in celebration of this special anniversary, introduce a new generation to Max's imaginative journey to Where the Wild Things Are.

And the illustrations still make me smile every time I read it! Listen to this wonderful children's story below:

Where the Wild Things Are (Recorded & Read by Barbara Gini)


Want to add this book to your collection?

Click here to order:

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Oh The Places You'll Go!

I gave my son this book for his 8th grade graduation and it has become a family treasure!

Dr. Seuss cleverly addresses the the ups and downs that life presents, even after you graduate.

 "Will you succeed? Yes, you will indeed. (98¾% guaranteed.)" A fun & wonderfully wise graduation speech. Its the perfect send-off for children transitioning or starting out in the world, be it nursery, high school, or college grads!

As always, the colorful illustrations keep the reader engaged & amused, while encouraging readers to find the success that lies within them all. 

Listen to a recorded reading of this timeless treasure:

Oh, The Places You'll Go! (Recorded & read by Barbara Gini)




To order the print book, click here

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The Coconut Monk

Photo: Amazon.com

This book is a "must-have" for your collection, especially for yoga teachers!

I have spent many hours reading this story to my students. The Coconut Monk is based on a true story, and it works well with any inclusion, yoga or character ed curriculum. The theme is "harmony" and "acceptance" and the story is told in a simple manner that is engaging & straightforward. I would recommend for ages 5 and up.

Here is the description for Amazon.com:

On an island in Vietnam, a monk lives in a coconut tree, eating its fruit and playing with his friends, a cat and a mouse. All the while, a war is raging. One day, the monk decides to visit his country’s president. After all, if a man, a cat, and a mouse can live in harmony, why can’t a nation? But the hostile guards at the presidential palace throw the Coconut Monk in jail. Is there still a way for his message to be heard? Based on a true story, this charming picture book by Thich Nhat Hanh shows how unconquerable divides can be overcome through compassion and perseverance.

Here is an audio recording I made of the story:

The Coconut Monk (Read & recorded by Barbara Gini)


You can order this book at the link below:

Click Here

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Spending Time in Solla Sollew

I Had Trouble Getting to Solla Sollew

"Solla Sollew" is an Odyssey-tale of a young boy who wishes to escape the troubles in his life (mostly aggressive small animals that bite and sting) .

His journey, (which is self-narrated ) includes several encounters with some fantastic characters he meets along the way. In one instance, he is forced to haul a wagon and a sick camel for a bossy companion and in another, he is drafted into the army under the command of the fearsome (and innately, cowardly) general, Genghis Khan Schmitz, who ups and leaves him at a critical moment. 

As our young hero sets out for the mythical city of "Solla Sollew" ("where they never have troubles...at least very few") he learns about tenacity & that he must ultimately face his problems instead of running away from them. 

I spent many hours in "Solla Sollew" 25 years ago when my sons were little. They insisted that I "do the voices" of the characters each time as I read it over and over again-one sitting to the left of me and one to the right. If I did "the voices" differently, they would call me on it.

As they got older, I would pretend my eyes were blurry and I couldn't read it well, or I would "forget" how to do the voices. So I encouraged them to read it to me (complete with "the voices" of course!)

Sadly, my eyes ARE actually getting blurry now- but I still love to read these books as much as when I was a child myself. The books that I read to my sons all those years ago, have been passed down to my daughter who is still enjoying them as she enters her teens. They sit on our family bookshelf and I now use these books for storytelling programs & camps.

Below is a recorded reading of "Solla Sollew" for you and your children to enjoy.

Celebrate Dr. Suess's 107th birthday and the wonderful legacy he has given us! 

So much fun reading to children-and having them read to you!


I Had Trouble in Getting to Solla Sollew- (Read By Barbara Gini)



We Recommend:

Buy Now From Amazon.com

Six By Seuss: 
A Treasury of Dr. Seuss Classics

The Little Blue Box of Bright and Early Board Books 
by Dr. Seuss








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Eat This Book: The Power and Legacy of Dr Seuss

Read Across America

How Was "Green Eggs and Ham Created

Seussville Games



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