July 4th events in North Carolina celebrating Independence Day

 

 

In the United States on the fourth of July we celebrate Independence Day that commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.  The date declared independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain and is a federal holiday.  During the celebration it is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, fairs, picnics, concerts, family reunions and many other events. 

 

If you are looking for events to celebration July 4th in North Carolina but have not found that special even this list can assist.

 

Ingles 4^th of July Celebration – Asheville, North Carolina

It will have a family-friendly environment in downtown Asheville with music, food and lots of patriotic festivities.

 

July 4^th Parade and Celebration – Bellhaven, North Carolina

It is the oldest parade and celebration in North Carolina with mile-long parade, concerts and fireworks at dark.

 

Independence Day of Fun – Charlotte, North Carolina

Some favorite options to check-out are Annual Knights Stadium July 4^th game and Sky show and Celebrate America presented by the Charlotte Symphony Pops Orchestra.

 

Fireworks at Tweetsie Railroad – Blowing Rock, North Carolina

Fireworks show after the park closes at 9 p.m.  It is a delightful time to see the fireworks.

 

July 4^th on Fayetteville Street – Raleigh, North Carolina

Activities will be held throughout Downtown Raleigh, especially on Fayetteville Street at noon.

 

July 4^th in Old Salem – Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Township recreates various aspects of early Independence Day that began on July 4, 1783.

 

July 4^th Celebration – Southport, North Carolina

Focus maintains on honoring the nation’s birthday with a lot of patriotic fun.

 

July 4^th Riverfront Celebration – Wilmington, North Carolina

 

July 4^th Crystal Coast Celebrations – Beaufort, Atlantic Beach, Emerald Isle and Morehead City, North Carolina

 

While making plans whether at one of the listed sites or another one you should take time out to discuss why the day is importance to our Independence living in the United States.  Have a Happy July 4^th Celebration!

Single gender academy: Is it right for Durham County?

In attendance of Durham County School Board committee meeting (June 18) and one issue on the agenda was “single gender academy”.  Approximately ten people spoke during the public comment time allotted with pluses and minuses for planning to start piloting the single gender academy at two sites (boys/girls) within existing schools through data collection toward expansion.  Collected data showed students were not passing grades, high rates of expulsion, low graduation rates and more.  Then the conversation centered back to the Board members for discussion on the direction to move this project forward or table it for more information. The mission statement for Durham Public School is “In collaboration with our community and parents, the mission of Durham Public Schools is to provide all students with an outstanding education that motivates them to reach their full potential and enables them to discover their interests and talents, pursue their goals and dreams, and succeed in college, in the workforce and as engaged citizens”.

As one view what is happening in the United States single gender schools are on the rise as an alternative to better education students in preparation for college or workforce.  The No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB, 2001) condones single gender education and the rules enforcing Title IX (1972) law that banned sex discrimination in federally funded programs, including public school and college sports programs.  Therefore, with the proposed academy must meet the guidelines of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and state to meet all mandates to education children. To be clear the direction Durham County selects may have the threat of a lawsuit as plans are implemented to pilot the single gender academy if pass from Board members.  However, potential lawsuits have not deterred other school districts that are highlighted in the National Association for Single Sex Public Education (NASSPE).

NCLB (2001) states all children should be at grade level in the subject areas of reading and math that allowed federal money to be used for innovative programs such as all-boys and all-girls schools and classes.  Amendments to Title IX regulations are underway that will give school districts guidelines to set up single gender academies without fear of being sued.  The Department of Education (2004) proposed guidelines that allowed gender separated classes (voluntary).  The proposal was clear that districts must offer the school design for both genders.

Current proposed set up for the pilot is one classroom (per gender) with 1 to 17 ratio (teacher – student).  Offered to children in grades six, seven or ninth.  Selection criteria are still being discussed but the program is parent choice like other schools in the district.  One public comment speaker shared attending all girl school and it not only enhanced her academic studies but her leadership skills that are represented today.

Whatever your personal opinions may be toward single gender academies, the number one focal point should be how best to education our children toward being productive citizens of society.  The charge has been given to the School Board members to ensure quality education to given to ALL children in multiple ways due to we do not all learn in the same manner.

 

Reasons to read to children

While visiting a preschool classroom a child approached me to read a book.  As I was reading the book I began to think how many parents know about this technique (Dialogic Reading).  I am using to engage this child and others who approached to hear me read and discuss the story.

First, some reasons to read to your child.

1.        Get them interested in all types of books and other reading materials.

2.       Increase your child’s vocabulary.  When you come to a word unfamiliar stop – go get the dictionary and explain the process to look the word up and make it the “Word-of-the-Day” (use the word throughout the day in sentences).

3.       Hold the child’s attention to the storyline.  Remember you can change your voice tones for different characters.

4.       The pleasure of learning where you are expanding their knowledge and critical thinking (problem-solving) skills.

Second, the Dialogic Reading technique designed by Grover J. Whitehurst a professor at State University of New York at Stony Brook.  This style of reading shift the adult reading in a passive (read only) to active (interact with child).  In this role the adult becomes the listener, the questioner and audience for the child.  Children learn the most from books when they are actively involved.  Remember, the child will not learn to put a puzzle together by just listening to you give directions and putting it together.  One techniques of Dialogic Reading uses is the acronym CROWD. 

1. C stands for completion.  As you read leave a blank at the end of the sentence, then the child will fill in the blank.  This works best with rhyming or repetitive phrase books.
2. R stands for recall.  Ask questions about what happened in the book.
3. O stands for open-ended.  Ask questions where there is no right or wrong answers.  You are increases the child’s expressive fluency and attention to details.
4. Wh stand for who, what, where, when, how.  Ask questions that start with one of these words that teach the child new vocabulary.
5. D stands for distancing.  The child will relate information to real world experiences and will help with verbal fluency, conversational abilities and narrative skills.

Your child will enjoy the dialogic reading techniques listed by keeping him/her interested in the story.  Happy ReadingJ!   

What are the effects of secondhand smoke to children's behavior?

Have you ever pondered the question, “Does my smoking have any effects on my child?”  It is important to get the assisting to get the work out on what smoking can do to the unborn and child once into the world.  Check out the article titled “Secondhand Smoke Tied to Kids’ Behavior Problem” at http://www.foxnews.com/health/2011/07/14/secondhand-smoke-tied-to-kids-behaviors-problems/.  The article references six percent of children who live will a smoker are likely to have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) than peers of non-smokers.  Some of the behaviors a child who has been diagnosed as ADHD exhibit are

1.  Short attention span;

2.  Impulse control; and

3.  Hyperactivity (although this may not be present)

Remember there is not specific test for ADHD.  However, diagnosis is made by a team that includes teachers, family members, developmental and neurodevelopmental pediatricians, child psychiatrists, and/or a child psychologist.  This video clip “Learning Issues Linked to Secondhand Smoke” http://videofoxnews.com/v/1062091093001/learning-issues-linked-to-secondhand-smoke/ gives a more in-depth look at the effects of secondhand smoke.

Treatment for ADHD might include behavioral, educational, and psychological therapy and in some instances, pharmacological intervention.  Listed below are potential teaching strategies that will support children with ADHD

1 Promote self-regulation skills through written and picture schedules and verbal feedback

2.  Reinforce positive behaviors through verbal feedback.

3.  Provide activities that capitalize on child’s strengths.

4.  Be consistent.

It is too important to think and re-think is smoking more important than your child’s overall well-being.  Please start taking these steps to support your child and lessen the potential of major health issues.

1 If you smoke, stop now.  Consult your physical for help, if needed.  There are many new pharmaceutical products available to help you quit.

2.  If you have a household member who smoke, help them stop.  If it is not possible to stop their smoking, do not allow them to smoke in your home or near your children.

3.  Do not smoke or allow smoking in your care.

Please take that cigarette and speak to it “My child is more important than you.” 

Infant - Toddler Resources

Here are two resources from ZERO TO THREE.

1.    Toward a Bright Future for Our Youngest Children: Building a Strong Infant-Toddler Workforce is a policy brief focused on strengthening systems that support professional development for the multidisciplinary infant-toddler workforce. The paper summarizes related research and the policy context, and offers ten recommendations to ensure that policymakers invest in comprehensive, integrated professional development systems for those who work with infants, toddlers, and their families. http://www.zerotothree.org/public-policy/policy-toolkit/professional-development-final-for-web.pdf

  

2.    Developing a Statewide Network of Infant and Toddler Specialists: TA Manual  The National Infant & Toddler Child Care Initiative (NITCCI) at ZERO TO THREE has published a new technical assistance (TA) manual that describes the process of developing and implementing an Infant Toddler Specialist Network (ITSN) using six State examples. An infant/toddler specialist network (ITSN) is a State-based system that coordinates the work of infant/toddler specialists and is primarily funded through the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF). Developing a Statewide Network of Infant and Toddler Specialists: TA Manual for States and Territories (March 2011) can be accessed online at http://nitcci.nccic.acf.hhs.gov/resources/ITSN_Manual_March_2011.pdf

 

Medications - are they being abused by our children?

It was a shocking revelation to engage in conversation with several friends on the article titled, “Many Kids Abuse Controlled Medications”.  Therefore, a question to pose is how as a society do we combat this trend where children are abusing the medication that was prescribed to off-site a medical condition not get high?   The most common drug cited in the article was painkillers followed by stimulants and sleeping pills.  When you open your medicine cabinet what type of drugs will be found for the child to be tempted to take for that temporary high or give to their peers?  One friend shared about children having pill parties where each brings medications and place in a large bowl taken sporadic and not knowing anything about them.

This brings up the topic of “Protecting Children from Prescription Drug Abuse” that lights the following steps to reduce or eliminate abuse of medication:

1.      Get rid of old or unused medications;

2.      Count your pills;

3.      Secure your medications; and

4.      Talk with your children.

As you are getting ready to talk with your children these two video clips on YouTube may assist with the conversation and knowledge as a parent.  No, the conversation may not be a comfortable one but is it one that must take place to reassure your child has a safe and healthy life toward adulthood.

1.       Teen Discussion on Drug Abuse and Addiction with Dr. Volkow NIDA

2.      Parent Discussion on Drug Abuse and Addiction with Dr. Volkow NIDA

It should be noted that the video clips are frank open-ended conversations that may offend you but the reality of the situation is it is occurring and needs to be addressed.  Parents, the role of parenting is not easy but you can do it.  

Parents, it cannot be overstressed the importance of being very observant of your child’s behavior and mood for the possibility of misusing their medication or distributing with peers.  Let’s assure the medication is used for why it was prescribed. 

 

Bully: What does it mean for our children?

Bullying, what does it mean for a child to be bullied or the one doing the bullying.  Typically, bullying is used to gain power over someone else to control and rule them.  The issue is so important that it must be addressed to save our youngest citizens.  The US Secretary of Education Arne Duncan shared “every state should have effective bullying prevention efforts in place children inside and outside of school”.  We must advocate for better laws and bring a strong public awareness to the issue.  Pop Star Lady Gaga went to the White House to discuss bullying prevention and keep in mind you do not have a be a celebrity to have your voice heard.  Our children need each of us as adults to stand tall on this issue. 

Some ways adults can intervene effectively to reduce bullying is first identify unacceptable peer actions that may include

1.       Physical aggression (hitting, kicking, pushing);

2.      Verbal aggression (threatening, taunting, teasing); and

3.      Exclusion from activities

We must engage in conversation with our children and model appropriate ways to communicate with peers.  Remember, children model what they see us doing.  If you are having a little trouble beginning the conversation check out “Stop Bullying Now” website that shares webisodes and games to start talking.  If you do not think it is an issue you need to address listen to Bullied Kid Turns Survivor.  Let’s be proactive and stop this before it is your child who is faced with the issue.

 

 

 

 

How to deal with bullying preschoolers

While engaging in conversation with some colleagues the topic of bullying consumed us with the preschool age child.  The city I reside in posted in the newspaper and television segments talked about the problem and what we as citizens should do to protect ourselves.  Well, this matter got to me thinking about the preschool age child where reports are being documented of this bullying classmate and others.

Therefore, the preschool age parents and teachers cannot be ignored but addressed through early interventions so the child will not continue down this pathway into adulthood.  The child must understand that there are clear boundaries and the consistent expectations are key ingredients for working with the inappropriate behavior (bullying).  Adults must tell the child this behavior will not be tolerated but model appropriate ways to control the behavior. 

 Listed below are some intervention strategies that can be implemented with the child bullying.

       1.      Intervene and talk with the child.  Be firm and calm to let the child know bullying is not

             accepted at preschool or at all.  If bullying is not stopped it can affect mental and physical

             health of all children enrolled in the program.

2.      Listen to the children who are involved in the bullying situation.  It is important that the adult does not judge or blame the children you are listening to help them work out the problem.  Remember, the child who is bullying often feels everyone is blaming them and this makes it harder to build trust to ultimately change the behavior.

3.      Talk about bullying with the children.  You can role-play different situations about bullying and let the children suggest ways to resolve the problem with bullying someone. Children can show through their body language how to say “no” and “yes” to stop the child who may be bullying them.  Then, write down the suggestions and focus on the positive appropriate actions such as sharing toys by playing together.

4.      Select culturally age appropriate books on bullying.  Use the selected books and other materials (puppets) to discuss how bullying makes one feel and discuss reasons why someone by be bullying children.

5.     Talk about feelings.  There are times with a child has a lack of language to express feelings this can influence negative behaviors of the preschool age child.  Adults must provide children with words to express their wishes and feelings (poster of emotions).  Also, talk one-on-one with child who is bullying to help express feelings in an appropriate manner.

6.      Exercise and relaxation techniques can be used to help bullying learn to control inappropriate behavior of bullying.  As the child is exercising it burns off energy and yoga (relaxation technique) will focus attention on breathing and calming down to control actions.  This will help the “bully” find appropriate ways to exhibit behavior in a positive manner.

 This is a situation that we must address today and not wait for someone else to solve the problem.  I don’t want to see these children into adulthood being jailed or worse a life lost before time due to we (adults) opted not to use early intervention to show and model appropriate ways to solve problems.

Biographical conversation with Henry Frye: Celebrating America's history

Who is Henry Frye and why is this name one should know and share his story?  He was born in 1932 in Ellerbe, North Carolina on a small farm.  As one reflects on the time of his birth growing up in the South he overcame odds that lead him in the profession as a pioneering political career that moved him in the position to become the first African American to ever serve on the North Carolina Supreme Court. Starting on Sunday, June 16 at 6:00 p.m. will broadcast Biographical Conversations with Henry Frye (other consecutive Sundays 23 and 30) on UNC-TV he will tell his inspiring life story with Shannon Vickery.

The book titled, “Henry Frye:  North Carolina’s First African Chief Justice” was written by Howard E. Covington.  Some of the information highlighted, he graduated from college in 1953 with the vision that the present would be better than the past for all people.  He was elected to the state legislature in 1968 with the goal of expanding opportunities for African Americans in politics, business and society at-large.  In 1983, Governor Jim Hunt requested and he became the first African American ever to serve on the North Carolina Supreme Court.  This is a great book to add to one’s literature collection of North Carolina and American history.

Check your local station to see channel is PBS in your viewing area.  If not, visit the website at http://www.unc-tv.org and search “Henry Frye” to view the video.  Yes, this is a must see for all to know the rich history of North Carolina and America at-large.

Durham County (NC) library kick-off annual summer reading program

The 2012 - 2013 school year has ended and it is time to start the summer reading program at local libraries.  All libraries across North Carolina summer reading program theme is “Digging Into Reading”.  This article will share activities that Durham County will host during the summer to enhance children reading skills. Remember children who read six or more books over the summer gain in reading achievement (e.g. vocabulary, comprehension) than their age peers who do not.

“Digging Into Reading” will kick-off Saturday, June 15 at Northgate Mall from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  Some events booths are North Carolina Zoo, Museum of Life and Science, Zumba area, storytelling, crafts, bounce house, prizes, free Reading is Fundamental (RIF) books and much more fun activities.  

Here are some of the first-time special events as children read during the summer.

1.      Dig Into Fitness:  Challenge Wave, June 15 – July 15 (adult summer reading to train their brains by reading and their bodies).

2.      Dig Into Environmentalist Science:  EPA Village Green Project Lunch, June 22 (install a prototype bench at the South Regional branch – bench will become operational with ribbon cutting from 10:00 a.m. – noon.

3.      Dig Into Sports:  Mid-point rally, July 10 (celebration with Durham Bulls held at Athletic Park at home game).

4.      Dig Into Space:  First Library in Space, July 10 prior to the game (launching of capsule fill with library memorabilia into near space).

5.      Finale, on August 9 and 10, rewards will be given to everyone with a system wide Celebration of Reading. 

For more information about Summer Reading visit website at

http://www.durhamcountylibrary.org/summerreading.  Registration begins Saturday at the kick-off and will be open afterward online or in person at any library location.  Let the reading begin taking you wherever you want to go through printed words.

Durham County (NC) library kick-off annual summer reading program

The 2012 - 2013 school year has ended and it is time to start the summer reading program at local libraries.  All libraries across North Carolina summer reading program theme is “Digging Into Reading”.  This article will share activities that Durham County will host during the summer to enhance children reading skills. Remember children who read six or more books over the summer gain in reading achievement (e.g. vocabulary, comprehension) than their age peers who do not.

“Digging Into Reading” will kick-off Saturday, June 15 at Northgate Mall from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  Some events booths are North Carolina Zoo, Museum of Life and Science, Zumba area, storytelling, crafts, bounce house, prizes, free Reading is Fundamental (RIF) books and much more fun activities.  

Here are some of the first-time special events as children read during the summer.

1.     Dig Into Fitness:  Challenge Wave, June 15 – July 15 (adult summer reading to train their brains by reading and their bodies).

2.     Dig Into Environmentalist Science:  EPA Village Green Project Lunch, June 22 (install a prototype bench at the South Regional branch – bench will become operational with ribbon cutting from 10:00 a.m. – noon.

3.     Dig Into Sports:  Mid-point rally, July 10 (celebration with Durham Bulls held at Athletic Park at home game).

4.      Dig Into Space:  First Library in Space, July 10 prior to the game (launching of capsule fill with library memorabilia into near space).

5.     Finale, on August 9 and 10, rewards will be given to everyone with a system wide Celebration of Reading. 

For more information about Summer Reading visit website at

http://www.durhamcountylibrary.org/summerreading.  Registration begins Saturday at the kick-off and will be open afterward online or in person at any library location.  Let the reading begin taking you wherever you want to go through printed words.

Flag Day June 14: What does it mean to you?

On Friday, June 14 we as a nation will celebrate Flag Day where our eyes see the stars and stripes with the founder’s understanding of this country.  The Flag represents the American story of the struggles of ALL humans who are born or apply for citizenship for the American Dream. Yes, the Flag unites us with many rights and freedoms others would like represented in their country.

Talk with people (known or unknown) on the subject of the meaning of the American flag to them because our founders had a common cause for the independence of United States.  As you listen, remember our American journey will have valley moments and high mountain top experiences but at the end of the day reflect on the rights and responsibilities that we have as citizens who rest under the FLAG along the men and women in the military service at home and abroad.

Display the American Flag on June 14 to celebrate our legacy letting everyone know the importance of the day and the commitment of rights afforded being in this country.  Some background history, the Congress, by joint resolution approved August 3, 1949, that designated June 14 of each year as “Flag Day” and requested that the President issue an annual proclamation for the observance and display of the Flag on all Federal Government buildings.  On June 9, 1966 it was approved that the President annually issue a proclamation designating the week in which June 14 occurs as “National Flag Week” and call upon citizens of the United States to display the Flag this week or all year long.  As part of this observance, say the Pledge of Allegiance at events and if you do not know it the words are

“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands.  One nation under God indivisible, with liberty and justice for all”. 

This is a time to honor America through celebrating our rich heritage and sharing personal experiences of heartfelt meanings of the Flag.  Join in the celebration by displaying the Flag and reciting or teaching children the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

June is black music month - celebrate our rich history with knowledge!

June is officially known as Black music month.  Many of the musical gifts enjoyed were created in African American neighborhoods from strong African roots.  The musical gifts include spirituals, gospels, ragtime, blues, jazz, rhythm and blues, rock and roll, and hip-hop rap.  As one researches black music it is noted that when slaves were brought to America related to surviving in the new land and the conditions that surrounded them.  Drums were used to communicate among the slaves and make plans for different events unbeknown to their owner what was being discussed.  One’s bodies and voices were used as musical instruments to praise God and looking toward freedom from the livelihood in at the time.  The songs sung during this timeframe were known as “plantation songs”, “slave songs”, “jubilee songs” that were referencing biblical stories.

The oldest African American music is spirituals that convey messages of freedom.  Some spirituals are “Go Down Moses”, “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot”, “Steal Away” and “This Little Light of Mine”.  Today the spirituals are still song but rearranged for different genre of music to appeal to all listening ears.  It should be noted that some spirituals became known as “freedom songs” for the civil rights movements of the 1950s and 1960s. 

As we celebrate Black music month please share these facts may not be as well-known but need to be shared.

1.      Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield was born a slave but became the first black concert singer.  She was known around the world as the “African Nightingale” and “Black Swan” for her amazing voice.

2.      W.C. Handy was a great cornet player and the composer of the “Memphis Blues” that was the first popular blues song to be published.

3.      Duke Ellington led an award-winning orchestra and influenced today’s jazz and blues of today.

4.      Aretha Franklin is known as the “Queen of Soul” and became the first woman to be induced into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

This is a strong rich history of expressing oneself through different types of music that has roots from the African American community but it is American’s music month.  Enjoy different types of music and listen for the messages.