Here at Argington we’re huge fans of Mem Fox, author of the book Tell Me About Your Day Today. You can check out our book review here. We recently had a brief interview with Ms. Fox and learned more about how and why she writes.
JA: What inspired you to write children’s books?
MF: I had to write a book as an assignment at college. It became Possum Magic, the best selling picture book ever, in Australia.
JA: What’s the hardest thing about being a writer?
MF: I find the hardest thing in creating a picture book text is to write a little. It’s so easy to write a lot of words but very difficult to write a few.
JA: Whose opinion do you value most?
MF: In writing, my editor’s opinion matters most. In life, my husband’s opinion matters most.
JA: Did you always know you want to be a writer?
MF: Yes. I wrote my first ‘book’ when I was ten. I got distracted and went to drama school thinking I wanted to be an actress. Madness! I’m so glad my life took a different course. I love being a writer.
JA: What is your favorite book?
MF: Charlotte’s Web.
JA: What’s your favorite dessert?
MF: Fresh fruit. Boring, I know, but I don’t have a sweet tooth.
If you would like to read more of Mem’s amazing books, check out her website!
We recently had an interview with Scott Menchin, the author of Harry Goes to Dog School. You can check out our review of that book here.
JA: What inspired you to write children’s books?
SM: I became a father and wanted to share my ideas with creatures similar to my daughter
JA: What’s the hardest thing about being a writer?
SM: Turning a good idea into a story that works.
JA: Whose opinion do you value most?
SM: Everyone’s but ultimately you have to trust your own opinion.
JA: Did you always know you want to be a writer?
SM: No. I started out an illustrator and wanted to control the whole show.
JA: What is your favorite book?
SM: The Conquerors by David McKee.
JA: What’s your favorite dessert?
SM: Dark chocolate gelato stuffed into a sliced fresh brioche.
To see more books by Scott, check out his website: www.scottmenchin.com/
The kids are back in school. The days are starting to get shorter and the nights are growing a little bit cooler. With fall right around the corner, it’s time to start getting prepared. Here are some tips for a healthy and safe autumn.
Image courtesy of Paul
Image courtesy of winnond
Though the school year is ending, opportunities for children to learn and parents to facilitate development are plentiful, particularly in the summer months. Here are a few ideas to help you think about simple ways to promote your child’s growth in each of the key domains of development:
Self-Esteem and Independence
Self-Esteem is important. Your child’s development depends on whether he/she is confident in him/herself and capable of accomplishing the goals that are set before them even if their goals consist of coloring within the lines. Having high self-esteem can lead to independence for your child and more free time for you. Here are some summe-time activities to help boost your baby’s confidence:
Since the pace of summer is typically slower, allow time for children to do as much as possible for themselves (e.g., eating and cleaning up, washing, dressing, and packing a backpack). The resulting increase in independence will promote self-esteem AND help prepare the child for new responsibilities at school next year.
Sharing ideas provides an opportunity for children to discover the value of their contributions. Allow time for leisurely conversation while sipping lemonade or taking a walk. Invite the child to suggest activities for the day, ways to celebrate a special event, or items to pack for a picnic lunch.
Interaction and Cooperation
Summer often brings more time with extended family and friends, which encourages important social interactions. The longer days and special activities, on the other hand, often change sleep schedules and other important routines.
Sometimes nap time isn’t at three. You might be entertaining more often now that the warm weather is here. If your child isn’t ready to nap, let them play out their energy. Nap time should be a regular event but if it starts at three-thirty rather than three, then so be it. While it is important to learn flexibility, you’ll find that children are best able to cope with the necessary changes when they get enough rest and enjoy the comfort of consistency.
Interacting with siblings, cousins, playground partners, etc. all provide opportunities to practice taking other perspectives and negotiating. These valuable skills can be learned best when adults help children to think in advance about situations that might arise. Anticipating another child’s interests, planning to choose one activity the child likes and one the peer likes, and considering ways to handle a sibling’s refusal all help the child respond more appropriately when the time comes.
Communication is Key
Spoken language is the foundation for the written word. We encourage our children to speak from the day they are born, so why not encourage them during their play time? Here are some fun ways o encourage communicating with your child:
Extra car time during summer travel is wonderful for word games and songs. Looking for license plates with letters or singing some of your child’s favorite songs will encourage your child’s communication development.
Read a book. Read it again. Reading is the best way to get your child’s communication skills to improve. While sitting with your child, try to get him or her to read along with you or better yet read to you. If you want to change up the same old story, consider alternate endings. Creating a new path for Goldilocks or Kermit the Frog to take can make the same boring children’s books a little more interesting and fun for you and your child.
Creating with your child will encourage the development of words and thought processes.
Not only is the written word helpful for your child’s communication development but so are images. Your child’s artistic talents can help in her cognitive and motor-skill development.
Notice and draw attention to art EVERYWHERE! The shapes and patterns in nature offer intricate examples. Designs on posters, buildings, bridges, etc. can inspire children’s own creations. Have your child create a mural of different colored leaves from different tree species or draw animals at the zoo to get those little creative juices flowing.
Your child is a character so let them act it out! Pretend is the most entertaining medium for your child so let them ham it up for you on an imaginary stage.
Discovery and Exploration
Every day is new for your child. Your child is learning about his environment and discovering more about the world around him.
Ask questions that promote thinking about how and why things happen the way they do to engage your child’s thinking. Use “I wonder …” and respond to questions with “What do you think?” The local library is a wonderful source of children’s non-fiction books for help in discovering answers.
Your little Einstein is curious and wants to know about everything around him. Choose a sunny space at home for observations and collections. Grow a plant, collect pebbles, or keep a pet bug for a while. It’s helpful to have a magnifying glass, trays for sorting, and a clipboard with paper and markers for recording observations.
Let’s Get Physical
Exercise for your child is important for their everyday development. While many of the ideas listed above include fine and gross motor practice, your child can also participate in household chores and other exercise exhibiting activities.
Helping with family chores both indoors and outdoors can also strengthen physical skills(as well as independence, which fosters self-esteem). Invite children to help with the gardening, laundry, table setting, dishes, etc.
Remember that children need to practice every skill repeatedly to develop effective coordination and build strength. Creating an obstacle course and developing “carnival” games are fun ways to encourage repetition.
Children are always learning and developing. Encourage their development with love and fun activities and you will be sure to see your child flourish. Have fun learning with your child and best wishes for a safe and relaxing summer!
