JenOni

#reading

Book Review- Veronica and the Volcano- National STEM Day

*received the book free of charge for review purposes only.  All opinions shared are my own*

 

STEM,  is the acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.  As a STEM major, it is exciting to see more girls with an interest in STEM and pursuing opportunities beyond high school.

 

Book Review – Veronica and the Volcano

In observance of  National STEM day, I had the pleasure of reading and reviewing Veronica and the Volcano.  The book is excellent for middle school-aged children and is filled with scientific topics that relate to volcanos.  I think girls will love Veronica’s spunk and inquisitive nature.  Veronica is the main character in this book and interestingly enough she lives on a volcano.  She wants to give her mother a birthday gift of pearls after she learns the story of her inherited pearls.  In order to get the same pearls, she sets her sights on visiting, the largest volcano, Mount Mystery.
The adventure begins with Veronica, her friend Maddy and their dads.  Every chapter is filled with suspense and the perseverance of two girls on a mission.  The trip takes the girls on numerous twists and turns before reaching Mount Mystery.  Both girls learn about their pasts through their dads.   Veronica learns how and why her parents decided to live on a volcano.  Maddy discovers the true history of her family lines and the many generations before her.   We learn Veronica’s dad relies on technological apps to provide information on volcanic behavior while Maddy’s disputes all of it.   Maddy’s dad, the Captain, is the self-appointed leader of the group and is a stickler for preserving family history and the search for the diamonds that disappeared generations ago.
The story is an imaginative adventure through some precarious events on the unpredictability of volcanos, unexpected wildlife, toxic gases, unexpected guests on the same hike, and rowdy bandits.   They are able to survive the journey, discover diamonds and pearls but return to extreme unrest in their sleepy town.   The town bands together to banish the unwanted guest and his cohorts.   Veronica learns her trip to the town jewelry store leaves her with the key to preserving the future.
The book takes the reader on a whirlwind of events with beautiful illustrations to captivate the reader from chapter to chapter.  It shows the dynamics of relationships that evolve into working together for the greater good.  All while learning about volcanoes as the story unfolds. The book contains definitions of all the terms used in the chapters for STEM enthusiasts to learn more.
For the girls who love science, enter to win a copy of the book:

http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/3974772/Veronica-and-the-Volcano-Giveaway-8

Reading: My First Book of the New Year-Growth & Development

ReadingBookReviewPPP

Reading: Personal Professional and Positive The 30 Day Challenge by Danyelle Little & Telie Woods

One of my goals for the new year is to read more books that are focused on personal growth and development.   This is my first book and I wanted to share some of the key points I learned after reading.   The best part of the book are the key areas and how they are divided into specific areas of focus.  Each chapter provides real-life examples, key action items, and motivational quotes.   I plan to incorporate the valuable action items to assist me with living a more positive and fulfilling life both personally and professionally.

Personal

  1. Take time for you
  2. Make unplugging a necessity
  3. Remove things from your life that stunt your growth
  4. Find ways to destress
  5. Sleep is essential, develop a routine each night
  6. Stay focused
  7. Writing is good for the soul and a visually way to capture thoughts
  8. A positive perspective is everything
  9. Capture moments with those you love
  10. Find your passion

 

Professional

  1. Give 110% in everything you do in your professional environment
  2. Be a positive model for others to emulate
  3. Always let your actions proceed you
  4. Do not get caught up in anything that is counterproductive to your progress
  5. Find effective ways to improve and deliver solutions
  6. Develop your skills to position yourself to train and mentor
  7. Organize a support group with varying levels of expertise for success

Positive

  1. Acknowledge positivity in your daily walk
  2. Organize, Organize and Organize to minimize stress; make it a monthly ritual
  3. Be an active listener
  4. Take time to relax, release and let go
  5. All good things come in time
  6. Do not let your past define your goals and objectives
  7. Always make it point to extend yourself to others

My Kid’s Chronicles- Summer Learning, What Are We Doing?


SummerLearning2015

As a child I was so excited for summer break, it was almost 3 months of no school and beautiful weather!!! Our winter season added a few snow days which extended the end of the school year.   I was excited to move to our new school district because I knew my DD would receive necessary support services.    In January, we met with the guidance counselor, psychologist, special education teacher and her homeroom teacher to review her IEP(Individualized Education Program).      I was a little anxious with how she was going to transition between two teachers and separate classes.     After a few weeks of getting acclimated and the assistance of an emotional support teacher she was off to a great start.    Her progress at the mid year review parent/teacher conference was phenomenal!!!!

During the last week of school,  her library hosts an end of year library event for students in grades K-5.    All the kids who attend are given grade level books to read over the summer.    This was a great way to send the kids off for the summer with a stockpile of books.   Most of my daughter’s books were brand new.  Prior to the event parents were asked to volunteer to host the event, donate refreshments items and books for various grade levels.

My goal for the summer was to keep the momentum going during the summer months without a break for learning.    After participating in a workshop last year I realized how much is lost over the summer.    I guess the old adage “out of sight, out of mind” applies during summer break.    For my DD I wanted to encourage her as much as possible by utilizing fun math workbooks, books from the library event and a subscription to Highlights.    The fact that Highlights is still in circulation  was a shock  after all of these years.    This magazine was a big treat as a kid because you received personal mail and then there were the fun activities inside.    I would get lost for hours!!!!

It has been a challenge to stay on a schedule.  We started off strong in June but have sizzled off in the month of July.   I believe DD’s camp activities are exhausting and she is physically drained once she gets home.   We also visited our local library and now DD has her own library card.  My fingers are crossed!!!!  I remember trips to my local library and this is no cost fun right in our backyard.

Do you have a summer learning curriculum?  How do you get your child(ren) to stay focused with the downtime? and additional activities draining their energy levels?