As a mother, I did feel a slight surge of pride when my 6 year old recognized this "masterpiece" and the artist's other body of work. I also remembered well the book my daughter was referencing, a fabulous board book with the most melodic text - Dancing with Degas by Chronicle Books. This book and another in the series, A Picnic With Monet, were read to my daughters so often, that I can still recite each from memory.

Authored by Julie Merberg (currently the president of Downtown Bookworks Inc.) and Suzanne Bober (an avid art collector), these imaginative and playful books are sure to become some of the most well read in your child or grandchild's collection.

The Mini Masters Boxed Set would make an excellent shower or new baby gift. Featuring the work of Degas, Monet, Matisse and Van Gogh, this 4 book collection will provide a wonderful introduction to a world of beautiful art. This extensive series of books also includes the art of Seurat, Cassatt, Picasso, Gauguin, Rousseau and Renior. Start your adventure today. Enjoy HH

Today I received one of the greatest gifts of my life. My daughter, Colleen, who is 20 years old and a student at Rutgers University, has discovered one of her gifts and let her voice come forth. She has never had a voice lesson and she has never really shared her singing with us. Her older sister, Kate, sent me a link to music which she was quietly publishing on the Internet

left: Collleen right: Kate

How grateful I am to see my child manifest a gift that is hers, uniquely.

My father is undergoing heart surgery today and this is a link to a song that Colleen dedicates to him.

Angel

Here is more of Colleen's music.

Each of us has a gift or gifts which live deeply within us. More often then not, we don't honor them. One of my gifts is that of words, and most of my life I ignored it. I didn't think it was a way to make a living. I didn't think I was good enough. I minimized its importance.

Whether you can earn a living with your gift, or where you stack up against others doesn't really matter, does it?

A gift is our deepest self manifesting itself in the world. When we use our gifts we are truly alive and present. It is joyous to do so. It is joyous to witness others.

Let us celebrate the beauty that lives in each of us.

in gratefulness, abundance, and peace,

pete

Take a look at this very preppy mini canvas tote - it includes stencil sheets, paint and sponges, everything your budding design star needs to create personalized art. The retro-nautical theme and red/cream color combination make this a perfect gift for a boy or girl.

…the transformation of public education should empower students to be responsible for their own learning and much more active and engaged participants in the process. We will need time for this transition because students have been so disempowered that their natural curiosity and love of learning has been lost. They are like wild animals that have been domesticated. Releasing them back to the wild with no transition would be cruel. (See "The Wolves of Learning"; "Trust Our Children")

…the transformation should further result in the elimination of the “hidden curriculum” that we teach our children: They are learning that the voice of authority is to be trusted and valued more than independent judgment. The hierarchical nature of school puts knowledge in the teacher’s domain. Their job is to “play school”, accept the status quo; even if it isn’t relevant, or makes no sense to them. “Command and Control” schooling is a leftover from the assembly line manufacturing era. It does not represent the way business nor the world operates today...“The World Is Flat"; Thomas Friedman (See "Education’s Hidden Messages")

…the transformation should result in students recognizing their unique gifts and having the courage to bring these gifts into their learning and their lives. Teachers can play a "life-changing" role in helping students discover their gifts and building their confidence in them. (See "Seeing What Is There" )

…the transformation should embrace an expanded definition of learning and knowledge. Learning needs to be redefined from its present focus on how much information one can accumulate and recall; to being able to DO something new with the information. Being able to do new things, take new actions that we were not able to take before; is at the core of what learning is about. (See "The Learning Dojo")

…we are the living curriculum. We teach who we are. (See "You Are The Living Curriculum"and "The Power of the Spider")

…transforming our schools will take effective and committed leadership at every level and from every individual. Transformation always begins with ME! Whether I am a student, teacher, principal, superintendent or director of technology; it is up to me to change. Teachers wait for the principal to make the changes, the principal waits for the superintendent, the superintendent waits for the state education department, and the state ed department waits for the feds. No one wants to commit to going first. Everyone sees the problem somewhere else. If only the (teachers, administration, parents, community, state ed, or feds) “Got it!” things would surely change. (See: "Accountability 1"; "A Simple Practice to Change Education and the World")

…in order to develop effective and committed leaders at all levels we will need to abandon our present method of training and supporting leaders. Our present methods utilize all the elements of teaching that we are trying to change: i.e. The leadership teacher knows everything and our job as students of leadership is to collect as much information from the teacher as possible. We cannot become effective leaders by reading books about leadership, listening to lectures, blogging about it, nor collecting tips and techniques. We can be very smart, have lots of leadership insights, and be able to talk about it like an expert; but that does not mean that we have become effective leaders. We need leadership development programs that emphasize “leadership practices and leadership presence” and support educators as they engage in the personal challenges they will face as they engage in this process. (See "Leadership Ethos" "A New Definition of Leadership === this is a Word.doc attachment)

...although technology can serve a role in this transformation; it is secondary. (See "The Starting Point" ; "Logic Does Not Apply")

…this transformation is possible and each of us must make a commitment to be active in bringing it about. If we have beliefs that are not consistent with this commitment we must re-examine them. (See "When You Believe It, You Will See It" )

…there are teachers in classrooms every day that are changing the world. We must honor their work. Gratitude and appreciation are at the core of transformed schools. (See: "A Teacher’s Story - Conclusion")

I believe these things...

pete

H 2m x 30cm

£36.75

Rather than considering usual culprits such as the newest video games, clothes, musical flavor of the week or movie action figure there are other options available that a child will not only prize but will hold dear forever. Individualized gifts for children are a great way to put a smile on every child's face at a price just about anybody can afford. Individualized gifts come in an assortment of different popular products including:

1. Personalized Music CD's with fun and catchy music and lyrics that can teach anything from spelling and counting all the way to just plain silly songs. Look for companies that have thousands of names to choose from and where each song has the child's name sung multiple times.

2. Personalized growth charts are a great way to add color and decoration to a child's room while also making a great keepsake that shows and tracks the growth of the child.

3. Personalized wall posters are another easy way to add color and decoration to a child's room. Many feature licensed characters such as The Care Bears and Marvel Superheroes.

4. Singing Alarm Clocks are the perfect personalized gift to give to an older child as everyday they will be able to now wake up to a song that features their name.

5. Singing plush animals are a great gift that almost any child would love to get especially when they find out that their new friend sings a special song featuring their own name.

6. Personalized wall clocks are an affordable way to add decoration and fun to a child's room while teaching them how to tell time in the process.

7. Personalized Name Poems use your child's first name to create a poem as unique as your child.

Along with the above mentioned products it is also worth noting that there are many another additional individualized products available on the market including:

1. Personalized books

2. Jewelry

3. Personalized baby soothers

4. Clothing

5. And much, much more

So prior to the purchase of your next birthday, Christmas or other special occasion gift instead of reaching for the toy, CD, movie or video game that will be forgotten shortly look towards the purchase of a individualized gift that will become a treasured lifelong keepsake for the child.

Check it out and see if you don't think your little one might enjoy a little mini suitcase like this one I found. My daughter is going to carry it around with her for weeks.

Oh, the places they’ll go… with this matching luggage set. Set includes our popular child sized suitcase, duffel, and backpack, the perfect combination for airline travel (two carry-ons and check-in) or for everyday adventures like sports practice and sleepovers. Matching pieces are constructed of water-resistant vinyl with zippered closures, reinforced stitching, and roomy compartments. Backpack has adjustable straps and two exterior pockets. Duffel has carrying handles and adjustable shoulder strap. Suitcase features inside stay-put strap, lock and keys. Set valued at if purchased separately. Suitcase - 14 1/2″w x 10 1/2h x 6 1/2″d, Duffel - 17″w x 13 1/2″h x 6 1/2″d, Backpack - 17″h x 13″w x 6 1/2″d.

click here to learn more

There are a lot more of these neat little treasures for kids and little one's right here if your interested. >>>> Baby and Infant Gifts.

We're proposing several criteria for activities and products:
    •    Engages  imagination and creative thinking
    •    Teaches an important life or learning skill
    •    Appeals to different styles of learning
    •    Helps to connect to family and friends in positive ways
    •    No violence, gender or racial stereotypes, or commercial tie-ins

We took a tour through the top toy websites and typed in "educational
toys" to see what we came up with.  We're going to review just a few of
them on our criteria and see what we come up with.

Colorforms:
It was a blast from the past to see these plastic shapes reappear on my
search: this toy is open-ended, creative and  expressive.  Not every
child will love these toys, as they are 100% self-directed: there are
no instructions to follow or goals to achieve, but are great for
inspired, creative kids (or those who are helping to develop those
skills).
4.5 out of 5 on the FHL scale!

MarbleRun Vortis:

I found this on Educational Toys Planet  and immediately wanted one.  This
toy stimulates reasoning and mobility skills, helps teach important
scientific principles and has MARBLES!  The different "runs"
demonstrate various principles of physics without any textbook or
formula.  This is a great toy for a child who can play by him or
her-self, as there is little opportunity for more than parallel play
(you try, now I try).
4 out of 5 on the FHL scale!

Leapfrog--My First LeapPad
No discussion of children's toys is complete without a mention of the
learning giant Leapfrog.  These toys are so popular because they are so
effective-- in teaching reading, math and reasoning skills (as well as
computer-comfort, a life skill many of us need).  Our only sticking
point with these products is the ease with which they are commerically
bound-- Elmo and Disney and Spongebob all have Leapfrog deals, and
frankly, the kids we know think about Elmo quite enough without any
more encouragement.  With a little diligence, you can find a full
complement of LeapFrog products that do not feature any licensed
characters, but the most prominent and easy-to-find products are
commercial.
3.5 out of 5 on the FHL scale!

Teach-me-Toddler Doll
I was delighted to find this doll (for boys and girls) on the FatBrain Toys  website-- this toy teaches important social interaction
skills as well as motor and language skills.  Your child is encouraged
to reach important milestones (brushing teeth and going potty) as well
as motor skills (tying shoes and buttoning buttons)-- building
self-esteem, independence, and a growing feeling of self-efficacy ("I
can do it!").  This "friend" can be shared with real friends and
family, and is perfect for many different kinds of learners.
5 out of 5 on the FHL scale!

GettaLetter
http://www.amazon.com/Winning-Moves-1107-Getta-Letter/
This game from Winning Moves combines the best of game-playing-- fun
competition (teaching social skills of winning and losing) while
encouraging learning the letters and words.  This is a fast-paced
flipping game (flip the letters that you get) which combines cognitive
and motor skills.  A great game for the whole family to play!
5 out of 5 on the FHL scale!

Send us your reviews and ideas!

These designer baby clothing for baby girls and toddlers are simply the cutest outfits. And, when you can find them at discount prices the deal gets even sweeter. Sandboxcouture.com the leading online children's clothes and, designer baby clothing boutique had quite the sale going on right now. With their Annual winter sale and clearance sale you have the opportunity to buy top line children's clothes at way below retail! This Little Mass outfit is just one of many beautiful selections in stock along with little boys clothes and infant wear. You can find amazing prices for the children on your holiday shopping list with Free shipping with orders over $75 and, gift wrapping is also available!

My four-year-old and I have been going around the house taking photos for an alphabet book that will be a gift for her sister's birthday.  Eva has really enjoyed finding things that start with the all the letters and I think Laura will get a kick out of it.  We included some of her toys, food, parts of the house and pictures of our family.  I'll add the text and then we'll upload them to a photo site to make into a book.  But if you couldn't use Photoshop to add the text, you could just add it as a caption.  This has been a really fun project.  We're just missing a few letters! 

When it comes to choosing the best possible baby gifts think of who this gift for? Babies love anything warm, soft  and snuggly. Think about quality and comfort of the gift. Designer and Couture gifts are on the high end of gift giving but, doesn't baby deserve the best? You can find a variety of beautiful and well thought out baby gifts and baby gift ideas at Sandboxcouture.com! Catering to everything a trendy mom knows what baby needs and appreciates! From over 2000 children, newborn and baby items to choose from, you will definitely find that posh gift that fits any babies or child's style!