Spring ‘09 FREE!

educating little minds ...a little bit at a time!

Premiere
Issue!

Inside This Issue:

Special Needs Resources
April is Autism Awareness Month
Birthday Parties on a Budget

Features Activities Reviews Crafts & More!

 Tell us why your Mommy should be “Queen for a Day.”

Bring Your Entry to: Fernbaugh’s Diamonds & Fine Jewelry - 206 N. Michigan Street, Plymouth, IN
Page 2 Kidbits Magazine
 Spring ‘09

Your Time & Resources are Essential...Entrust them Virtually!

Marla Murasko
President & Publisher

Ballpark Publications, Inc.

Design & Production FEATURES:
Melinda Cilio & Karen Plumley 4. Spring into New Beginnings
Contributors
••••••• 5. Healthy Smiles
P.O. Box 126 • Plymouth, IN 46563
Phone: (866) 542-2535
11. Nutritional Information for Children
Fax: (509) 696-3127 14. Birthday Parties on a Budget
Email: KidbitsMagazine@gmail.com
Website: www.KidbitsMagazine.com RESOURCES & REVIEWS:
•••••••
Kidbits Magazine is an independent, quarterly publica- 13. Special Needs Support Groups
tion designed to promote literacy & learning among
local youngsters ages 3-10. All Rights Reserved. 15. Book Reviews: The Rainbow Fish & The Family Book
Nothing may be reproduced without the expressed
written consent of the publisher. Kidbits Magazine is
intended for informational purposes only. The publisher ACTIVITY SHEETS:
accepts no responsibility for the accuracy or quality of
any of the information or advertising contained herein. 6. Sequencing Advertise in our
Kidbits Magazine is published by ExecuEssential 7. Preschool Writing Summer Issue!
Administrative Services Inc. and distributed—free of Call (866) 542-2535
charge—to more than 100 locations throughout 8. “A is for Apple” or email us at
Marshall County, Indiana, including the towns of Kidbitsmagazine@g
mail.com
Argos, Bourbon, Bremen, Culver & Plymouth. 9. Counting Money
© 2009 ExecuEssential Administrative Services, Inc.
10. Teaching Children to Save

As a business executive you understand the value of time. Your time

and resources are essential to growing and maintaining your business.
At ExecuEssential Administrative Services we value you and your business.

Partnering with us to assist with your administrative needs will give you time to focus and grow your business.

Here are Some of the Services We Provide:

Administrative Services Concierge Services
- Word Processing - Dinner Reservations
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Meeting Planning - Data Entry
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- Creation of Meeting Materials including: Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter

Phone: 866-542-2535 (toll-free) • Website: www.ExecuEssential.com

Spring ‘09 Page 3
 FEATURE

Spring into New Beginnings

By Melinda Cilio

S pring is the time of year

when the days get longer
and the nights get shorter.
It is a time when the earth and
animals awaken from their long
winter nap. Springtime is about
new beginnings and birth. As the
weather begins to get warmer,
the grass starts turning green
and the leaves on the trees begin
to grow, flowers start to bloom and baby animals are
born into the world.
As you go outside to play and ride your bike, look
around at all of the wonderful things coming to life.
Hear the birds chirping and stop to look at the flowers
poking up from the ground. Each day notice how they
change and grow in the warmth of the sun. Go for a
walk with your family or friends and challenge each
other to see how many different new plants and
animals you can find.
Try starting a spring journal and write down what
you see and how they change over the course of a few
weeks. Write down how this makes you feel.
Think of how much you have
changed since last spring.
• Are you taller?
• Do you still like to play the
same games?
• Do you have the same
friends or different friends?
• Do you like different foods?
Draw pictures of the people
who are special in your life, your
favorite hobbies, activities and toys. Write down how
these wonderful people and things make you feel.
Make a list of new activities or things that you would
like to try this spring and see how many of these
wonderful things you can make come true.
• Are there any new foods you want to eat?
• Is there an instrument you would like to play?
• Is there a sport you would like to learn?
When we try new things, we experience a new
beginning and learn from these new experiences. Like
a baby bird learning to fly for the first time or a
squirrel learning to its nuts, learn to experience new
things and have fun!

Links to Self-Esteem & Sprituality

Reasons to Teach Kids About Spring:
Why Spring Activities for Children Can Teach and Boost Self-Esteem
by Lisa C. DeLuca
http://holistic-parenting.suite101.com/article.cfm/parenting_joyful_children

Improving Self-Esteem in Kids:

How to Build Self-Confidence in Children and Teens
by Lin Burress
www.parentingmethods.suite101.com/article.cfm/improving_selfesteem_in_children#ixzz0AdZ3dPG3

Activities
Spring Coloring Pages for Your Spring Journal - by Activity Village
www.activityvillage.co.uk/spring_coloring_pictures.htm

Books about Spring

It’s Spring! - by Linda Glaser
A book about the arrival of spring and its effects on plants and animals.

My Spring Robin - by Anne Rockwell

A child observes a variety of signs of the new season in her backyard.

The Spring Equinox - by Ellen Jackson

Explores the celebrations of Spring in different cultures and times.
Explains where some of our current traditions come from.

Page 4 Kidbits Magazine

 FEATURE

Healthy Smiles
By the Kidbits Staff

A ccording to the American Dental Association (ADA), proper dental care is

important...even before the first teeth emerge.

The ADA states the following:

• Healthy baby teeth are crucial in helping babies learn to speak.
• Healthy teeth build self-confidence.
• Healthy teeth help with proper feeding & nutrition.
• Poor dental care can lead to periodontal disease and cavities.
If your kids like music, why not try to entice them to brush their teeth with a “musical
toothbrush?” Hasbro has introduced an electric toothbrush that plays different tunes for
two minutes...which is how long children should brush their teeth.
You can visit www.hasbro.com/toothtunes to see the variety of tunes available. They
run about $10 each and can be found at retail locations like Walmart and KMart.

We’d Love to Hear From You!

Tell us about your upcoming event, promote
your business, or simply make a suggestion.
Call: 866-542-2535 -or-
Email: KidbitsMagazine@gmail.com

Early Childhood Education

Family Dental Care at Ancilla College
Chad Shaw D.D.S., P.C.
A choice of two degrees:
Associate of
Applied Science
Designed for those who plan
“Dental Care with a Gentle Touch” to work after graduation

NEW PATIENTS WELCOME! Associate of Science

Designed for those
Prompt Emergency Care who plan to transfer
Saturday Appointments Available
• Wide Range of Dental Services • Crowns & Bridges
Fall Classes Start
• Preventative Dentistry • Root Canal Therapy on August 24th
• Oral Cancer Screening • Extractions
• Cleanings/Periodontal Treatment • Partial & Complete Dentures
• Fillings (white) • Intra-Oral Exams
• Tooth Whitening • Most Insurance Accepted
Financial Aid is available
Interest-Free Financing Available Upon Approval
to those who qualify.
574-936-8787 Grants available through
1409 N. Michigan St. - Plymouth T.E.A.C.H Scholarships.
Member of the Plymouth
Chamber of Commerce
For information call Rhonda Arvesen at
574.936.8898 ext. 342 or 1.866.ANCILLA
Spring ‘09 Page 5
 ACTIVITY SHEET • PRESCHOOL

Sequencing
Sequencing is an important standard for children 2-5 years old. It is the ability
to put together a purposeful pattern of actions, behaviors, ideas, or thoughts.
Learning to sequence is vital for problem-solving and following directions.
Look at the patterns below and finish them on the lines provided.

In this activity draw a line that connects the pictures that match up.

Page 6 Kidbits Magazine

 ACTIVITY SHEET • PRESCHOOL

Preschool Writing
Tracing these zig-zags from left to right will help your child
develop control while learning to hold a pencil correctly.

Spring ‘09 Page 7

 ACTIVITY SHEET • PRESCHOOL

“A is for Apple”
Trace each letter “A.”
Then, use the empty spaces to write your own.

1 2

ACTIVITY SHEET • GRADES 1-2

Write down what you see in each picture.

Now, write your name.

Page 8 Kidbits Magazine

 ACTIVITY SHEET • GRADES 1-2

Counting Money
Teaching your children how to start counting and saving money early, will give them the skills they
need to be financially stable in life. Help your children understand the value of money and teach
them how to save by going to your financial institution and opening a Junior Savings account.
Children look to their parents/caregivers for financial information...start teaching them now!

Pennies Nickles Dimes Quarters

1¢ or 1 cent 5¢ or 5 cents 10¢ or 10 cents 25¢ or 25 cents

Count the coins below and write the total in the box.

1. = ¢

2. = ¢

3. = ¢

4. = ¢

5. = ¢

Spring ‘09 Page 9

 ACTIVITY SHEET • GRADES 3-4

Movie Time
Going to the movies?
Here are some multiplication problems to help your child understand how much food costs.

85¢ 49¢ 39¢ 27¢

1. If you and your parents want preztels, how 2. You want to purchase two ice cream bars, how
much will it cost buy three of them? much will that cost?

______ x ______ = _________ ______ x ______ = _________

3. Your mother bought you and your friends four 4. You would like to buy three sodas, how much
bags of popcorn, how much did she spend? do you need?

______ x ______ = _________ ______ x ______ = _________

ACTIVITY SHEET • GRADES 3-4

Word Problems
Here are some word problems to help develop your child’s critical thinking skills.

1. Samantha has 49 pieces of candy. She gives 25 2. There were 15 horses in the barn. Eight of them
pieces to her friend Ellie. How many pieces does were brought out to the pasture. How how many
she have left? are left in the barn?

Page 10 Kidbits Magazine

 FEATURE

Nutritional Information for Children

By the Kidbits Staff

G iving your children the information they need to make

healthy choices from an early age is critical to their
health. We all need to take an active role in preventing
childhood obesity, which can lead to other diseases and health
conditions.
Help them to understand the “Food Pyramid” and what each
food group is and what benefits they get from each group.
Grain Group: Gives us carbohydrates which gives us energy to
play and learn. Foods would be: breads, cereals, rice and pastas.
Vegetable Group: Provides Vitamin A which helps us see in
the dark and Vitamin C which helps our skin stay healthy (heals
cuts). Foods would be: broccoli, carrots, green beans.
Fruit Group: We get Vitamin C from fruits which helps our
body heal cuts and bruises and helps fight infections. Foods
would be: apples, oranges, bananas.
Milk Group: We get calcium from the milk group which helps
with healthy bones and teeth. Foods would be: milk, bananas,
yogurt, cheese.
Meat Group: We get protein and iron to build strong muscles.
Foods would be: beef, chicken, fish, nuts and peanut butter.

Invest in our Youth!

Advertise in

Call 866-542-2535 or Email us

at KidbitsMagazine@gmail.com

Spring ‘09 Page 11

 DID YOU KNOW?

Get Moving!
By the Kidbits Staff

P hysical activity is important for good

health. Children need to eat enough
food to support their growth and
development. Children should also be
physically active for at least 60-90 minutes
every day. Running, walking, swimming,
playing at the playground, or riding their
bikes will help them stay healthy & active.

Page 12 Kidbits Magazine

 RESOURCES
Special Needs Support Groups
Down Syndrome Family
Support and Advocacy Group
A non-profit organization serving
South Bend, Mishawaka, Elkhart,
Bremen, Plymouth, LaPorte, and other surrounding
cities in Northern Indiana and Southwest Michigan.
Mission: To help improve the lives of individuals with
Down Syndrome, as well as their families, through
education, advocacy, research, and fellowship.
Vision: To help foster a community of acceptance
which promotes the best opportunities for individuals
with Down Syndrome in helping them to achieve their
greatest potential and realize their dreams.
When Do They Meet: Once a month as a “Family
Support Night” at the Logan Center in South Bend, as
well as a “Mom’s Night Out” once a month at various
restaurants throughout South Bend. They also sponsor
a number of other events throughout the year like the
Buddy Walk, Logan Nose, etc.
Contact: Kathy Ratkiewicz at 574-234-0590
Does Your Child Have Autism?
April is Autism Awareness month. According to
recent statistics, the incidence of autism spectrum
disorders in American children is on the rise. Early
intervention is critical for a child with autism to
reach her full potential.
Does your young toddler have a worrisome
behavior or is she just going through a phase? To
know for sure, a child must have a behavioral
screening.
Look for these common symptoms of autism
provided by the National Institute of Child Health
and Human Development (NICHD). If they display
any of these five symptoms, schedule an
appointment with her pediatrician.
1. No verbal sounds by 12 months.
2. Does not point, wave, or grasp by 12 months.
3. Does not speak single words by 18 months.
4. By 24 months, does not say two-word phrases
without help.
5. At any age, experiences regression in social or
language abilities.
Karen Plumley is the Special Needs Education
Feature Writer for Suite101.com and blogs at
www.dailyactivitiesforkids.com. She can be
reached via email: aisie_12@fastmail.fm.
Spring ‘09
Mended Little Hearts
For many parents, hearing the
heartbeat of their unborn child
becomes their first, loving bond
to that child. It’s no wonder, then,
that discovering their child has a heart defect, whether
diagnosed in the womb, shortly after birth or during
childhood, can be devastating.
Mission: Mended Little Hearts, a new support program
for parents of children with heart defects and heart
disease, is dedicated to inspiring hope in those who
care for the littlest heart patients of all.
Mission: Mended Little Hearts offers resources and a
caring support network as families find answers and
move forward to find healing and hope.
When Do They Meet: The second Sunday of every
month at the HealthWorks Museum in South Bend.
Contact: Jennifer Gorski at (574) 217 8244
AUTISM
FAMILY SUPPORT GROUP
“Together we can SUPPORT one another,
EDUCATE one another, and
ADVOCATE for those we believe in.”
Where: Plymouth Public Library Laramore-B Room
When: 1st Tuesday of every month beginning February 2009
Time: 6:30pm-8:00pm
Childcare will be provided during each meeting*
by members of Autism Resources of Marshall County
Where: Laramore-A Room
Contact: Carrie Cadwell at 936-3031 or drcadwell@embarqmail.com
BOOK DISCUSSION INFORMATION
Mother Warriors:
A Nation of Parents Healing Autism Against All Odds
Author: Jenny McCarthy
Price: @$12.00 at Amazon.com/bn.com
Contact Information
Peggy Sturtevant at 936-5035
Carrie Schadek at 936-2661 or 286-5197
Page 13
 FEATURE

Strategies for Birthday Parties on a Budget

By the Kidbits Staff

B irthdays are always a time to celebrate,

whether young or old you have to admit
that a smile comes across your face on that
special day.
Birthdays are especially important for younger
children. They want to invite all their classmates,
choose a theme and, of course, see what gifts they will
receive.
However, with the economy struggling, having a
full-blown party with all the bells and whistles could
be very costly for you as parents and for the guests.
If you are on a budget, try to stay away from
“themed” parties, they can get very costly. You can go
to many children’s websites and print down
“printables” to decorate with.
For instance, if your child loves Mickey Mouse, visit
the Disney website at www.disney.go.com/
magicartist/greeting/classic/index.html. You can
make your own cards; pull down different games to
play during the party and more, without spending a
fortune on entertainment.
This may also be a great learning opportunity for
you to teach your children the value of a dollar. Sit
down with your children, and let them know that they 2. Help them to pick out a charity: Example: If your
have a budget for their party, like a $100. Let them child loves animals, make them feel good knowing that
write down the things that they want and put a cost they will be giving food or treats to the dogs and cats
value to it. They will see very quickly how things start at the local Humane Society or animal shelter. Believe
to add up. Work with them to understand they can still it or not, animals are also being affected by the bad
have a great party within the budget. Help them to economy.
start looking at things on the list and cut back. After the party, bring your child to the Humane
For instance, they want that very expensive Princess Society or shelter and have them present the box of
cake, take them to a party store that sells cake molds donations themselves and take a picture of this event.
and show them they can make their own Princess cake Having them present it themselves really gives them a
exactly the way they want it—probably for a lot less sense of giving.
than what you will pay in a bakery.
3. Notify guests very clearly on the invitations that the
Go to Dollar Stores if you need to put goody bags
“gifts will be for charity.” Let your guests know
together. They will realize they can get a lot more.
instead of a gift, to bring a donation for that charity.
Your children will start to look at things differently
when they are in charge of the expenses. Here are some helpful websites to help you with
Here is another novel idea—a “Charity Party.” It is a “charity parties.”
great new way to celebrate your child’s birthday. Here Birthdays for Charity - A family website devoted to
are some things to think about before you get started: giving birthday gifts and money to charity.
1. Make sure your child understands and agrees to this Website: www.birthdaysforcharity.org
type of party. Present it to them as they are using their Just Give - A non-profit organization to connect people
special day to give back to others who may be in need. with other organizations or causes.
You will have to reassure them that you are not Website: www.justgive.org
throwing the whole birthday celebration out; they can
still have friends, cake and special gifts from family. Most importantly, make it a special day for your child!
Page 14 Kidbits Magazine
 BOOK REVIEWS
See the

The Rainbow Fish Rainbow Fish

craft project
By Marcus Pfister below!

Preschoolers can relate to this colorful and engaging book. The artwork is fantastic
with eye-catching foil paper used for Rainbow Fish’s shiny scales.
The moral of the story is teaching children the concept of “sharing,” and being nice
to others. A concept that may be hard for little ones to understand at times.
In the book, Rainbow Fish swims around thinking he is better than everyone because
he is so beautiful. However, he notices that he has no friends because he does not want
to share any of his beautiful scales with others and realizes that he is lonely. See what
Rainbow Fish does to start making friends.

An American Booksellers Book of the Year (Abby) Winner in 1995.

The Family Book

By Todd Parr

Author Todd Parr captures diversity in families at a level that is engaging, colorful
and fun for children of all ages. He explains that families are all different, but they all
share one thing in common—they love and support each other.
The Family Book reassures children with families that are not onsidered the “normal”
family that, at the end of the day, we all celebrate together, we love together, we are
sad together. Most importantly, he reassures children that everything will be okay as
long as you have each other.

“There are lots of different ways to be a family.

Your family is special no matter what kind it is.”
- Todd Parr

Rainbow Fish Craft Project

Materials:
• coffee filter (we used the brown kind, but white ones work too)
• children’s markers
• water
• wiggly eye or paper eye
• tinfoil

Instructions:
• Flatten out coffee filter on a plate
• Color it roughly with various colors of markers
This is wonderful as even the youngest children can color this way.
• Wet coffee filter
Use a squirt bottle or flick drops of water onto the filter with your hands.
• Allow to dry for a few hours
TIP: Speed this up by using a hand held blow dryer on low heat for about 5 minutes.
• Once dry, cut out a fish shape from the coffee filter
• Glue on some small strips and triangles of tinfoil
• Glue on a wiggly eye and draw on a mouth

To make your Rainbow Fish look like it’s underwater, stick it to a blue sheet of construction
paper and glue one sheet of slightly crumpled cling wrap on top. Courtesy: www.dltk-kids.com

Spring ‘09 Page 15

 HAVE YOUR CHILD’S BIRTHDAY
AT PLYMOUTH COUNTRY CLUB!
Our $150 Birthday Package for 15 Children Includes:
Complete setup & cleanup • Invitations • All food and drinks
Menu items include: Chicken Tenders, Hot Dogs, Fries, Cheese Pizza, Sodas & Water
Access to our swimming pool (with lifeguard), basketball and tennis courts
Available Saturdays & Sundays from 10:00am-11:30am (One hour for recreation/one half hour for the party.)

PLEASE CONTACT CHEF DARRELL AT 574-936-9008

You want your child to have fun at their birthday party...But you want to enjoy yourself too.
Why not schedule it at the beautiful, family-friendly Plymouth Country Club?