Review & Giveaway: What To Expect – The Second Year

Description:

Release Date: April 5, 2011 (540 pages)

Heidi Murkoff’s What to Expect has delivered again. Announcing the arrival of a brand-new member of the What to Expect family: What to Expect the Second Year. The essential sequel to What to Expect the First Year, with 9.7 million copies in print, What to Expect the Second Year picks up the action at baby’s first birthday, and takes parents through what can only be called “the wonder year”—12 jam-packed (and jam-smeared) months of memorable milestones (from first steps to first words, first scribbles to first friends), lightning-speed learning, endless explorations driven by insatiable curiosity. Not to mention a year of challenges, both for toddlers and the parents who love them, but don’t always love their behaviors (picky eating, negativity, separation anxiety, bedtime battles, biting, and tantrums).

Comprehensive, reassuring, empathetic, realistic, and practical, What to Expect the Second Year is filled with solutions, strategies, and plenty of parental pep talks. It helps parents decode the fascinating, complicated, sometimes maddening, always adorable little person last year’s baby has become.

From the first birthday to the second, this must-have book covers everything parents need to know in an easy-to-access, topic-by-topic format, with chapters on growth, feeding, sleeping, behaviors of every conceivable kind, discipline (including teaching right from wrong), and keeping a toddler healthy and safe as he or she takes on the world. There’s a developmental time line of the second year plus special “milestone” boxes throughout that help parents keep track of their toddler’s development. Thinking of traveling with tot in tow? There’s a chapter for that, too.

My favorite features of this book: 

  • Easy to find the info you are looking for thanks to the great table of contents & index.
  • Extensive info about developmental milestones in an easy to understand format.
  • Great info on spotting vision & hearing problems.
  • Loved the ideas for activities for “outlets for high-energy toddlers”.
  • Extensive chapter on handling very specific behavior issues.
  • Good information on Developmental Disorders. With the increased prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorders & Sensory Processing Disorders, it was nice to see a good amount of information included on these conditions.

Some of the preview pages inside the book on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/What-Expect-Second-Year-Publishing/dp/0761152776#reader_0761152776

Price at the time of this post: $15.95

Available for purchase on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/What-Expect-Second-Year-Publishing/dp/0761152776

Check out the What To Expect website & “follow” their social media pages for more info:

Disclaimer: I received a free sample of this product to facilitate my review.  Opinions expressed are my own.

How to enter the giveaway:

  1. Enter via the “Giveaways” tab on the OMazing Kids – Contests & Giveaways Facebook page (http://a.pgtb.me/plpbTf) & mention how you would be using this book. (comments must be in English; must include full first & last name; 1 entry per Facebook account).
  2. For one additional entry, leave a comment on this blog post. Must mention how you would be using this book. If you only enter via blog post comment, you must also send me an e-mail with your mailing address (send to amoorad1@juno.com. You will not need to do this if you also entered via the Enter Contests Here…. tab on Facebook since your address will be provided on that entry (comments must be in English; 1 entry per person; must have a valid e-mail address)
  3. Helpful Info & Tips: You increase your odds of winning by entering via both methods. Entering via the “Giveaways” tab will save you the step of e-mailing me your mailing address – the info you complete on the tab comes directly to me via an e-mail. FYI…. I use a free app from Shortstack for that tab and have no control over technical difficulties either on their end or on Facebook. In the event that you experience difficulties with the tab you can submit an entry via e-mail providing your full name, e-mail address, mailing address, how you would be using the book. E-mail to: amoorad1@juno.com. Unfortunately Facebook rules prohibit me from accepting entries directly from posts or comments on Facebook.

Entry Deadline: Enter by any of the methods listed above by 11:59pm CST on October 26, 2012.

Rules of Participation:

  • Must be 18 years or older with a valid e-mail address.
  • Only USA & Canada entries are being allowed for this particular giveaway.
  • Employees or family members of OMazing Kids, LLC or the product’s company are not eligible.
  • No purchase required.
  • Comments submitted via the Enter Contests Here…. tab on Facebook or e-mail may be copied & pasted into the blog post.
  • Odds of winning will depend on the number of eligible entries received.
  • Two (2) winners will be chosen via a random drawing of valid entries on October 27, 2012.
  • Each winner will receive one (1) copy of the book.
  • The winners will be notified via e-mail and will be posted on the blog post.
  • Each winner’s address will be forwarded to the publishing company and they will be mailing the prize directly to the winner.
  • Prize Value: $15.95

Other Legal Stuff: I know it’s just a child development book but just to be safe here is all the legal stuff…

This giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. You are providing your information to OMazing Kids, LLC and not to Facebook. The information you provide will only be used for our internal purposes in relation to the administration of the giveaway. Your information will NOT be sold to any outside parties.

Indemnification/Hold Harmless: By participating, entrants agree: (a) to the decisions of OMazing Kids, LLC, which shall be final in all respects; (b) to release, discharge, and hold harmless OMazing Kids, LLC and its respective representatives and agents from all liability, injuries, losses or damages of any kind to persons or property resulting in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, from the acceptance, possession, misuse or use of a prize, or from participation in and/or entry into the Contest or any Contest-related activity and for acceptance, delivery, or use of any prize; (c) that the foregoing parties have neither made nor are in any manner responsible or liable for any warranty, representation or guaranty, expressed or implied, in fact or in law, relating to any prize.

Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP, IAYT, RCYP-2

Speech-Language Pathologist

Founder of OMazing Kids, LLC – inclusive wellness activities for kids of all abilities

Radiant Child Yoga Certified – Levels 1 & 2

E-Mail: amoorad1@juno.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsYoga

Contests & Giveaways on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsContestsandGiveaways

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/amoorad

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/amoorad1

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/OMazingKids/

Blog: http://omazingkidsllc.com

NOTE: Please ignore any ads that appear below the wavy divider bar. This is a free blog site & I have no control over ads appearing here.

Turn Your Arghs Into Oms! with Monkey Mind Pirates

Turn Your Arghs Into Oms! with Monkey Mind Pirates. They sent me their CD & workbook a couple of months ago to try out. Just now getting time to check it out…… SO much fun! Kids love pirates and “monkey mind pirates” is such a fun analogy that they will be able to relate to 🙂

Product Description:

Monkey Mind Pirates tells the story of a sea captain’s search for the legendary Waters of Calm. As Cap’n Fitz sets sail, he confronts stressors common among children—including doubt, anxiety, and distraction—all represented by the unruly Monkey Mind Pirates. The Pirates board Cap’n Fitz’s ship and wreak havoc until he discovers basic principles of yoga that guide him to manage stress and regain peace.

Perfect for use at home, in the classroom, or in childcare settings, each Monkey Mind Pirates CD includes:

  • 8 catchy, original songs full of humor, drama, and calm
  • 3 Trading cards featuring the Monkey Mind Pirates, identifying each Monkey’s stress-causing behavior and simple techniques for taming them
  • Step-by-step instructions to make a shadow puppet monkey
  • Kid-friendly mindfulness exercises and bonus chime track

“Monkey Mind” is a popular yoga phrase to describe when the brain swings from thought to thought, unable to focus. Simple techniques of breathing, visualization, and movement can clear distraction, quiet the mind and bring a sense of peace. Sail into the “waters of calm” with Cap’n Fitz as he discovers the secrets of taming the Monkey Mind Pirates!

Hear samples on Soundcloud: http://soundcloud.com/monkey-mind-pirates/sets/monkey-mind-pirates/

My faves are “Monkey Mind Pirates” (track 6), “Sea Monkey Do” (track 7) & “Om, Mateys” (track 8) 🙂

A couple of examples from inside the 32-page workbook:

Buy the CD at: http://www.zpuppets.org/store/monkey-mind-pirates-CD or on Amazon.

Buy the mp3 download version on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Monkey-Mind-Pirates/dp/B004ZR49YW/ref=tmm_other_meta_binding_title_0

Buy the Workbook at: http://www.zpuppets.org/store/Monkey-Mind-Pirates-Workbook

** Updated ordering info as of 6/15/15: I contacted the company via Facebook messaging and received the following reply:

Angela,
We are sorry for the technical difficulties with our website. We are happy to take orders over the phone or email for anyone still interested in purchasing a workbook. Please have them call Managing Director, Kathleen Conroy at 612-724-1435 x6 or email kathleen@zpuppets.org
Website: http://www.zpuppets.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/monkeymindpirates

Twitter: https://twitter.com/monkeymindpirat

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/monkeymindpirates

Disclaimer: I received a free sample of this product to facilitate my review.  Opinions expressed are my own.

Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP, IAYT, RCYP-2

Speech-Language Pathologist

Founder of OMazing Kids, LLC – inclusive wellness activities for kids of all abilities

Radiant Child Yoga Certified – Levels 1 & 2

E-Mail: amoorad1@juno.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsYoga

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/amoorad

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/amoorad1

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/OMazingKids/

Blog: http://omazingkidsllc.com

NOTE: Please ignore any ads that appear below the wavy divider bar. This is a free blog site & I have no control over ads appearing here.

Review & Giveaway: Yoga For Children With Developmental Challenges DVD

Yoga For Children With Developmental Challenges DVD

Description:

Five‐part comprehensive educational video designed to introduce the incredible benefits of a regular yoga practice to individuals with developmental challenges —educational, health, physical, sensory, social, and emotional.

Part 1: Introduction (1:54)

Part 2: Creating the Yogic Environment (2:17)

Part 3: Developing an Awareness of the Breath (12:24)

Part 4: Posture Benefits and Demonstration (31:14) – 18 poses – Sanskrit names for poses are used in conjunction with English.

Part 5: Yoga Class – A balanced practice including centering, warm-ups, breath work, postures and sequences including seated, standing, quadraped, supine, and prone postures as well as inversions, rotations and balances, and concludes with deep relaxation to a guided meditation. A brief group OM & Namaste is included at the end of the class section.(38:00)

The DVD Teacher Edition is specifically designed for classroom and large group practice. This edition includes many additional preparatory exercises and instructions for creatng the yogic environment and developing the breath.

(Language: English)

Mary Flynn is a Registered Yoga Teacher as well as a Special Education Teacher with over 30 years of experience teaching children of various ages, levels and degrees of developmental challenges, including autism. She teaches students with special needs at the elementary, middle school and high school levels, as well as the college level (Life Skills Program) and adult programs (Easter Seals of NJ and ARC of NJ). See more about her at: http://www.peacefulpathwaysyoga.com/about-us.html

What I LOVE about this DVD:

  • Easy to use menu & navigation will lend itself to more independent use by older kids & teens with special needs.
  • Older students with special needs being in the class on the DVD. There are lots of kids yoga DVD’s but not much geared towards older kids, teens or adults with special needs.
  • Lots of great info about the benefits for each activity or pose.
  • Detailed narration about proper form/alignment at a moderate pace. While the level of narration may be too much for very young children, it is excellent info for the teacher, parent or caregiver who will be helping the child, teen or adult with special needs learn yoga.
  • Love the inclusion of centering, call/response chanting, breathwork & guided relaxation in addition to a variety of poses.
  • Lots of great detailed info about a variety of breathwork activities! These not only are great for yoga but can also be used in my work as a Speech-Language Pathologist to help improve breath support for speech.
  • There are no props, statues or pictures with religious connotations. This is helpful for use in wide variety of settings.

A few screenshots from the DVD:

Other thoughts: While the DVD says “Suitable for All Ages”, based on my experience it would be most appropriate for older kids, teens & adults with special needs since younger kids tend to do best with a playful or storytime yoga approach.  Instructions may need to be simplified to suit the individual’s cognitive & processing needs. Teachers, parents or caregivers need to be aware of any medical conditions that would be contraindications for particular types of poses or activities. I am especially cautious about any poses that could hyperextend the neck especially for kids with Down Syndrome due to the risk of them having Atlantoaxial Instability. Inversions are a group of poses I am cautious with. Info about contraindications for inversions: http://ezinearticles.com/?Yoga—Contraindications-For-Inversions&id=2104119.

A preview clips from the DVD:

See several other preview clips at: http://www.youtube.com/user/gardenpartyist

 

Price at the time of this post: $99.00

Available for purchase:  http://www.peacefulpathwaysyoga.com/products-teacher-edition-dvd.html  & on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Yoga-Children-Developmental-Challenges-DVD/dp/B0064VMX54

(FYI: They also have a “Home Edition” DVD. Price: $39.00. Purchase at: http://www.peacefulpathwaysyoga.com/products-home-edition-dvd.html or http://www.amazon.com/Yoga-Children-Developmental-Challenges-Edition/dp/B0065S59SO .  It is a 3 part DVD and does not contain the “Creating the Yogic Environment” & “Developing an Awareness of the Breath” segments included in the Teacher Edition.)

Check out the Peaceful Pathways Yoga website & “follow” their social media pages for more info:

Disclaimer: I received a free sample of this product to facilitate my review.  Opinions expressed are my own.

How to enter the giveaway:

  1. Enter via the “Giveaways” tab on the OMazing Kids – Contests & Giveaways Facebook page (http://a.pgtb.me/plpbTf) & mention how you would be using this DVD. Details about how you will be using the DVD count and will be used both in selecting the winners & in determining who will get the grand prize.  (comments must be in English; must include full first & last name; 1 entry per Facebook account).
  2. For one additional entry, leave a comment on this blog post. Must mention how you would be using this DVD. Details about how you will be using the DVD count and will be used both in selecting the winners & in determining who will get the grand prize.If you only enter via blog post comment, you must also send me an e-mail with your mailing address (send to amoorad1@juno.com. You will not need to do this if you also entered via the Enter Contests Here…. tab on Facebook since your address will be provided on that entry (comments must be in English; 1 entry per person; must have a valid e-mail address)
  3. Helpful Info & Tips: You increase your odds of winning by entering via both methods. Entering via the “Giveaways” tab will save you the step of e-mailing me your mailing address – the info you complete on the tab comes directly to me via an e-mail. FYI…. I use a free app from Shortstack for that tab and have no control over technical difficulties either on their end or on Facebook. In the event that you experience difficulties with the tab you can submit an entry via e-mail providing your full name, e-mail address, mailing address, how you would be using the book. E-mail to: amoorad1@juno.com. Unfortunately Facebook rules prohibit me from accepting entries directly from posts or comments on Facebook.

Entry Deadline: Enter by any of the methods listed above by 11:59pm CST on October 19, 2012.

Rules of Participation:

  • Must be 18 years or older with a valid e-mail address.
  • Only USA & Canada entries are being allowed for this particular giveaway.
  • Employees or family members of OMazing Kids, LLC or the product’s company are not eligible.
  • No purchase required.
  • Comments submitted via the Enter Contests Here…. tab on Facebook or e-mail may be copied & pasted into the blog post.
  • Odds of winning will depend on the number of eligible entries received.
  • Two (2) winners will be chosen via a drawing of valid entries on October 20, 2012.  Details about how you will be using the DVD count and will be used both in selecting the winners & in determining who will get the grand prize.
  • The Grand Prize winner will receive one (1) copy of the Teacher Edition of the DVD. The second winner will receive one (1) copy of the Home Edition of the DVD.
  • The winners will be notified via e-mail and will be posted on the blog post.
  • Each winner’s address will be forwarded to the publishing company and they will be mailing the prize directly to the winner.
  • Prize Value: Teacher Edition DVD: $99.00, Home Edition DVD: $39.00.

Other Legal Stuff: I know it’s just a yoga DVD but just to be safe here is all the legal stuff…

This giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. You are providing your information to OMazing Kids, LLC and not to Facebook. The information you provide will only be used for our internal purposes in relation to the administration of the giveaway. Your information will NOT be sold to any outside parties.

Indemnification/Hold Harmless: By participating, entrants agree: (a) to the decisions of OMazing Kids, LLC, which shall be final in all respects; (b) to release, discharge, and hold harmless OMazing Kids, LLC and its respective representatives and agents from all liability, injuries, losses or damages of any kind to persons or property resulting in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, from the acceptance, possession, misuse or use of a prize, or from participation in and/or entry into the Contest or any Contest-related activity and for acceptance, delivery, or use of any prize; (c) that the foregoing parties have neither made nor are in any manner responsible or liable for any warranty, representation or guaranty, expressed or implied, in fact or in law, relating to any prize.

Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP, IAYT, RCYP-2

Speech-Language Pathologist

Founder of OMazing Kids, LLC – inclusive wellness activities for kids of all abilities

Radiant Child Yoga Certified – Levels 1 & 2

E-Mail: amoorad1@juno.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsYoga

Contests & Giveaways on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsContestsandGiveaways

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/amoorad

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/amoorad1

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/OMazingKids/

Blog: http://omazingkidsllc.com

NOTE: Please ignore any ads that appear below the wavy divider bar. This is a free blog site & I have no control over ads appearing here.

“Using Books to Practice Kids Yoga” by Gail Pickens-Barger – winning entry in the Kids Yoga Lesson Plan Contest on OMazing Kids

Congratulations to Gail Pickens-Barger for “Using Books to Practice Kids Yoga” – the winning entry in the Kids Yoga Lesson Plan Contest on OMazing Kids!

Lesson Plan: https://omazingkidsyoga.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/using-books-to-practice-kids-yoga-gail-pickens-barger-yogakiddos-with-gaileee.pdf

Supply List: https://omazingkidsyoga.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/using-books-to-practice-kids-yoga-gail-pickens-barger-yogakiddos-with-gaileee-supply-list.pdf

Please head over to “like” her Facebook page at: YogaKiddos with Gaileee (http://www.facebook.com/YogaKiddos), follow her on Twitter at:  http://www.twitter.com/YogaWithGaileee & check out her blog at: http://yogakiddos.blogspot.com/

I LOVED all the lesson plan entries! See all of them in this album on the OMazing Kids Facebook page. There is a link to the PDF of each lesson plan on each pic:

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=454637441253933&set=a.454637344587276.123432.174264525957894&type=1&theater#!/media/set/?set=a.454637344587276.123432.174264525957894&type=1.

Please also head over to “like” each of these Facebook pages as thanks for them taking the time to share their ideas with us! 

Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP, IAYT, RCYP-2

Speech-Language Pathologist

Founder of OMazing Kids, LLC – inclusive wellness activities for kids of all abilities

Radiant Child Yoga Certified – Levels 1 & 2

E-Mail: amoorad1@juno.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsYoga

Contests & Giveaways on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsContestsandGiveaways

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/amoorad

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/amoorad1

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/OMazingKids/

Blog: http://omazingkidsllc.com

NOTE: Please ignore any ads that appear below the wavy divider bar. This is a free blog site & I have no control over ads appearing here.