Determination Wins Out

Written by Shelle Lenssen
Guest Blogger

Determination Wins Out

Literacy statistics are scary. I think of myself as fairly on-the-ball when it comes to early childhood education and read to my daughters almost daily, but these numbers give me full body shivers.  

Here’s a sampling:

        

--Children who have not developed some basic literacy skills by the time they enter school are 3 - 4 times more likely to drop out in later years. (National Adult Literacy Survey, NCES, U.S. Department of Education)

--78% of juvenile crime is committed by high school dropouts. (National Children’s Reading Foundation)

--60 percent of America's prison inmates are illiterate and 85% of all juvenile offenders have reading problems. (U.S. Department of Education)

-- More than 20 percent of adults read at or below a fifth-grade level - far below the level needed to earn a living wage. (National Institute for Literacy)

Those numbers should be enough for me to spend 20 minutes a day reading nursery rhymes to my 2-year old, or sounding out words in a first-grade reader with my 6-year old. After all, when I look at my sweeties, I certainly don’t see future crime-committing high school dropouts. I don’t see prison inmates or grown women struggling to earn an income. I see future astronauts, artists, teachers, doctors, engineers, writers, musicians, etc. Through my parenting lens, I see only good things and positive futures for my daughters.

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However, there are days when vomit covered bedding needs washed for the third time, a work project runs late, dinner burns in the oven, and the toddler screams through her bath. On those days, it is much easier to tune out, put on a kid’s show and let the children veg out in front of the TV for the evening. We’ve all learned along the road of this Parenting Journey that the easy choice isn’t always the right one.

And so we read. In a kitty voice, I read That’s Not My Kitten to a giggling 2-year old. My husband patiently sits with our frustrated first-grader as she sounds out tough words from her newest Fancy Nancy book. He also gives her an enthusiastic high-five when she finally gets it. We read in the car on long road trips and during the 20-minute drive to school in the morning. With our 6-year old, we go over sight words, spelling words, and vocabulary words. With our toddler, we sing silly songs and read the same book together over and over and over again. Our girls have a book nook in one corner of the living room and some nights, dozens and dozens of children’s books are strewn about as they both sit amidst the pile, flipping through their favorites.

Our reading routine may not match that of other families. The real point is we’re trying, and we’re going to keep trying.  The numbers tell us that reading is much more than enjoying a good book and quality time together; it also improves the futures of our children.

Six Strategies For Keeping Kids Reading This Summer

Keeping kids actively reading can prove to be a challenge during the warm summer months- but just because school is not in session doesn’t mean that reading is any less important. It’s critical for kids to practice their reading and expand their skills while they aren’t in school, but with all the distractions of summer and no classroom setting, things can get tricky. Without teachers around, parents have to play the major role of motivators and supporters of reading. Below are some easy but effective strategies Laura Colker, Ed.D., suggests parents can employ to get their kids motivated and keep them reading during the summer.

ONCEKids Publishing is run by literacy advocate and Mompreneur Eileen Wacker.  Click here to find her acclaimed books

1. Be an example

Your kids will be more likely to believe you when you say how important and fun reading is if you are doing it yourself- so read as much as possible this summer, especially in front of them. Whether it is a newspaper at breakfast or a book on the beach, leading by example will definitely increase the chances of your kids following in your footsteps and picking up a book themselves.

2. Pay a visit to your public library

Make a weekly trip to the library a fun family outing that the kids can get excited about. Make things even more exciting by letting the kids get their own library cards. Also, check your library’s website- many libraries have child-friendly summer events and reading programs. 

3. Read aloud with kids

Kids are around a lot more during the summer than any other time of the year- use this extra time to bond with them over books. Read-alouds are fun pretty much no matter how old the kids get, and maybe even for parents too. Laura also reminds parents not to forget to improvise or even wear a silly hat to make the story more interesting!

4. Use books to break the boredom

Without the busy schedule and structure of school, kids need more activities to fill in the hours. Use books as a way to teach kids that reading can be a fun way to keep themselves occupied when they are bored.

5. Combine books with other activities 

Kids are a part of a lot of activities during the summer. Whether it is going to the beach, going to a baseball game, seeing a movie or going to the park, bring books along and encourage reading as much as possible. 

6. Have plenty of reading material around

Laura emphasizes the fact that story books are not the only material that can make reading fun. Keeping lots of newspapers, magazines, and other informational material around can also spark a young reader’s interest. 

ONCEKids Publishing is run by literacy advocate and Mompreneur Eileen Wacker.  Click here to find her acclaimed books

ONCEKids Continues Their Commitment to Reading With the Literacy Project

The holiday season is also known as the season of giving, and that was no exception this season at ONCEKids. Author of the Fujimini Adventure Series, Eileen Wacker, and her staff at ONCEKids are committed to literacy and spreading a love of reading to kids everywhere. We strongly believe that no child should be devoid of the joys reading can bring. So to provide the wonders of a great book to children who don’t have many (or sometimes any) books to call their own, Ms. Wacker donated thousands of books to various schools and children’s hospitals across the country, including 10 inner city schools in New York City alone. 

To learn more about the ONCEKids literacy project, watch the video below:

ONCEKids Publishing is run by literacy advocate and Mompreneur Eileen Wacker.  Click here to find her acclaimed books

The 10 Most Exciting Movie Adaptations Coming Out This Year

2014 was a great year for movies and 2015 is looking promising with the announcement of a dozen books being made into movies this year alone. And two, possibly even three, of them star Jennifer Lawrence- which is amazing news all on its own. Personally, I love to read the book first and then watch it come to life on the big screen, so I have a lot of reading to do, and if you’re like me you better get moving down the list- starting now!

Here is Chrissa Hardy’s List of 10 books to read before they hit the big screen this year:

1. Lisa Genova’s “Still Alice”

This novel describes the amazing story of a successful woman who begins experiencing early onset Alzheimer’s disease. Starring Julianne Moore, the movie adaptation hits theaters starting January 16th.

2. Nathaniel Philbrick’s “In the Heart of the Sea”

Starring Chris Hemsworth and Cillian Murphy, the film adaptation of the incredible story about the tragic sinking of the Essex hits theaters March 13th.

3. Veronica Roth’s “Insurgent”

If you enjoyed the first installment of the thrilling trilogy, “Divergent”, you will definitely enjoy the sequel, “Insurgent”. Starring Shailene Woodley and Theo James, book two will be hitting theaters March 20th. So if you haven’t already read the amazing book series, you better get started now!

4. Ron Rash’s “Serena”

Serena describes a story about a newlywed couple set on building a timber empire in the woodlands of North Carolina. Serena, played by the amazing Jennifer Lawrence, is a fiercely loyal wife whose “feathers are never ruffled”. Another exciting addition to the movie is that Bradley Cooper will once again star alongside Ms. Lawrence. Be sure to read the awesome novel before it hits theaters March 26th. 

5. Nicholas Sparks’ “The Longest Ride”

All the Nicholas Sparks lovers out there better get to Barnes and Noble and check this one off the list before it comes to theaters this April. This beautifully written novel describes a cowboy love story with an intersecting story of a 91-year-old WWII veteran who is dealing with the loss of his beloved wife 9 years earlier. 

6. Andy Weir’s “The Martian”

This captivating novel tells the story of Mark Watney and his battle for survival after becoming stranded after a dust storm forces his crew to abandon him after landing on Mars. The movie adaption will star Matt Damon, Kate Mara, Kristen Wiig, and Jessica Chastain and is due to hit theaters November 25th.

7. John Green’s “Paper Towns”

If you were a fan of “The Fault in Our Stars” you should definitely give this book a read. John Green is a literary genius with his capturing of young love, resilience, and the human spirit. The movie will star Carla Delevingne and Nat Wolff and comes to theaters June 5th.

8. Thomas Hardy’s “Far From the Madding Crowd”

Although written in the 1800s this book has a timeless appeal that is still very relevant today.The movie will star Carey Mulligan, Michael Sheen, and Tom Sturridge. Be sure to give this one a read before it comes to theaters May 1st. 

9.  Kyril Bonfiglioli’s “Don’t Point That Thing at Me”

This is the first book in the trilogy about art dealer Charlie Mortdecai and his battle between right and wrong, sane and insane, good and evil. The film adaption for this amazing book looks more than promising with an all-star cast including Johnny Depp, Olivia Munn, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Ewan McGregor. You better get reading because this movie comes to theaters January 23th. 

10. James Dashner’s “The Scorch Trials”

If you haven’t read the first installment of this three-book series, "Maze Runner", go read that now and then read this one after! The fast-paced, heart stopping trilogy will keep you enthralled till the very end. The first book has already been made into an awesome movie and the second is soon to follow, coming to theaters September 18th and starring Dylan O’Brian, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, and Kaya Scodelario. 

ONCEKids Publishing is run by literacy advocate and Mompreneur Eileen Wacker.  Click here to find her acclaimed books

ONCEKids Shares Pictures From This Year's Orange County Children's Book Festival

On September 28th, OnceKids joined over 150 other authors, illustrators, and publishers at the 11th annual Orange County Children’s Book Festival. The festival was created by Barry Ackerman to promote literacy and a love of reading in children everywhere, a message that still stands strong today. Since it’s inception in 2004, the festival has grown substantially, with over 130,000 attendees this year. 

OnceKids was so excited and honored to have our beloved author Eileen Wacker and her amazing Fujimini Adventure Series featured at this year’s event and it could not have been more fun! 

Scroll below to see some of the photos from this year’s festival:

1. Setting up our booth!

2. Prepping for the big day!

3. Author Eileen Wacker and two of our amazing actors

4. Early on in the festival

5. Blue Penguin and our new friend share a high five

6. Our first visitors!

7. More high fives!

8. One of our biggest attractions of the day- Face painting! 

9. Our new adorable friend

10. Lia from OnceKids is ready!

11. Another great shot of author Eileen Wacker with actors Anita Vora and Jason Richter

12. Cassidy getting ready to rock out in our Blue Penguin suit!

13. Author Eileen Wacker

14. Little fans get a sweet surprise from the Blue Penguin

15. Author Eileen Wacker signs her new book for a fan

16. A snap shot of the main stage from the OC Book Festival!

These are just a few of the many photos from our awesome weekend at the Orange County Children's Book Festival! If you weren't in attendance for this year's festival make sure to make an appearance next year and experience what is becoming one of the largest children's book festivals in the country.

To learn more about the characters and world of Fujimini Island, click here

Join Us May 14th For Zulily's Kids Book Collection

There is a lot of excitement buzzing through OnceKids as we prepare for tomorrow’s big event! Join our Fujimini Island book series and characters for Zulily’s Kids Book Collection on May 14th. 

If you haven’t heard of zulily or visited their website, zulily.com, you are seriously missing out! The company features clothes and other items for moms, kids, and babies. There is a wide variety of amazing brands but the best part is the amazing prices you can get them for- sometimes up to 70% off! And with a selection that changes daily, there is always something new to choose from. 

We are proud to be joining Zulily’s Kids Book Collection, featuring the Fujimini Island Box Set. Our four book box set holds Green Hamster and the Quest for Fun, Red Penguin and the Missing Sushi, Silent Samuari and the Magnificent Rescue, and Pink Hamster and the Big Birthday Surprise. Regularly priced at $29.99, tomorrow is your chance to get the set for just $9.99! 

Learn more about our Fujimini Adventure Series and check out Zulily’s amazing prices at:

http://fujiminiisland.com

and

http://zulily.com 

Celebrate Reading on World Read Aloud Day

Help your children celebrate reading with us tomorrow during World Read Aloud Day! 

Read Aloud Day is a movement dedicated to advocating reading and literacy as a “a right that belongs to all people”. This fun and creative awareness day is celebrated around the world each year on the first Wednesday of March. 

Even as technology and all of it’s wonders advance, reading is a past time that should not be left behind. This day is purposed to remind us of the power of our words, and how that power can be used to create the changes we wish to see in the world. 

Four years ago, one little boy looked up at his teacher and said, “Mrs. Allyn, let’s make sure everyone knows how good this feels. Let’s have a holiday for the read aloud” - and then Read Aloud Day was born. Since then, it has become an international event, spreading to over one million families in more than 65 countries!  

The love of reading is often times something that begins in childhood and continues through adulthood. So parents, don’t forget to read aloud to your children! Not just tomorrow, but every night after. This is not only building a healthy and educational hobby and passion, but also giving you and your child a time to bond over a wonderful book. Studies have shown that having parents who read and emphasize the importance of reading can have a greater impact on the child’s education, skills, and reading frequency than that of household income. 

The joy, creativity, and imagination that comes from reading is something that all children should know, so help us change the world one book at a time, and participate in tomorrow’s Read Aloud Day! 

To learn more about Modern Moms and The Mom Code, please visit ONCEKids Publishing website, Facebook and Twitter

The Reign of J.K. Rowling's Wizarding World Continues With Harry Potter Spin-Off

For all the Harry Potter fans who thought that their 15-year-long love affair with the magical world was over- J.K. Rowling has recently released a statement saying that a series of spin-off films is currently in the works. 

While using the same magical world and ideas from her original novels, this series will take place in New York, rather than England, and instead of Harry being the main character, this series will feature a zoologist by the name of Newt Scamander. For anyone who thinks this name sounds familiar- it is! 

The basis of the character and story comes from a textbook used by Harry and his classmates, which is also where Rowling came up with the title of the first film- Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. The main character, Newt, is the author of this textbook, so the film will follow his life and experiences in the wizarding world. 

In her statement about the new series, Rowling said "I always said that I would only revisit the wizarding world if I had an idea I was really excited about and this is it." 

She also comments on how this is not a prequel of sequel of the beloved Harry Potter series, but rather a continuation or extension based off the same magical world and ideas. The story also begins 70 years before Harry's time in the United States. 

Within minutes of Rowling's statement about the new series, her Facebook page was blowing up with die-hard Potter fans expressing their joy and excitement regarding the news. I have to say, I have read the books and watched the movies and I can't help but be pretty excited about the world of wizards and magic wands not yet being at it's end! 

To learn more about Modern Moms and The Mom Code, please visit ONCEKids Publishing website, Facebook and Twitter

Fly a Kite with your Kids this Summer

How do you spend you family time during the summer?  Outside enjoying the weather? Have you built or flown a kite with your friends and family before? My kids and I love kites and the feeling of joy we have when we are running behind them watching them dip and fly in the sky. We went out and flew some kites over the holiday and felt inspired to research and understand kite flying.

Did you know the kite influenced the creation of the airplane? Wow! Kites are just as popular today as they were when our ancestors created them. Weifang, Shandong, China is home to the largest kite museum in the world. Weifang 

also hosts an annual international kite festival on the large salt flats south of the city. Weifang is very famous for its dragon kites today. China is not the only country celebrating with kites anymore as it has become a beloved tradition in many countries!

To learn more about family friendly activities visit the ONCEKids website

Coloring Fun for the Family!

Coloring is a wonderful activity for the young and not-so-young. Coloring not only allows children to explore different themes it allows children to be creative. I have heard parents and teachers correct children when they color leaves purple or the sky pink. You shouldn’t stifle a child’s creative flow. If you are really curious why they colored a dog green ask them to explain. You might be surprised at their answers. Maybe the family dog loves hanging out in the bushes and is often covered leaves. Ask a child about their creative choices and you might be stunned by their power of observation.

ONCEKids has several coloring sheets available on their website. The available coloring sheets tap into your child’s creativity by presenting various cultural motifs and tapping into a child’s power of imagination. The books can be bought through the ONCEKids website. You can color the sheets online with a palette of digital colors or print the sheets and color with yours or your child’s favorite crayons.

Picture Books Encourage Children

Good readers are often excellent divergent thinkers. A divergent thinker is flexible, fluent, original and can elaborate. All these skills are critical for reading. Picture books encourage a child to increase the flexibility of their thinking by letting a child take contextual cues from the pictures and fill in critical elements of a story. Picture books also encourage fluency by enticing a child to read over and over again. The process of repetition actually encourages deep learning and understanding. Picture books can also develop original thinking in young readers by allowing them to fill in the story and make connections between pictures and words. Young readers can even develop their own story lines based on the pictures alone. Picture books can also develop the skill of elaboration in young readers. Elaboration is critical to understanding and comprehending a story. If a child can elaborate on a story then that means that they effectively digested the story. Picture books encourage divergent thinking.

Picture Books make Reading Fun for Young Readers

It seems that each year that goes by parents become more and more competitive when it comes to their kids. It is not enough to read early but the child has to be able to read chapter books. In the quest for making kids smarter many parents have pushed aside picture books. Reading is a multi-layered process and picture books can actually spur active reading and develop a love for reading. Forcing a chapter book on a child that is not ready may create a fear and dread in the child and stall further language acquisition. It is important to make reading fun and approachable for young readers. Young readers need constant support and encouragement and need to make small accomplishments along the way. Picture books are a great way of helping a young reader meet language goals.