Category Archives: eco-friendly

Review & Giveaway: Care for Our World book & playset

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“Care for our world, for you and for me, for all living things from mountain to sea”. Want to inspire kids to be caring & to show kindness? Check out the wonderful “Care for Our World” book & playset from Compendium / Live Inspired!

 

Product Details: Get ready to meet some truly wonderful wild animals from every continent on Earth. As children turn the pages of this book, they’ll encounter dozens of playful creatures in their natural habitats and will learn about the importance of caring for all the plants, animals, and people that call planet Earth their home. A timely reminder of the responsibility every generation shares: to nurture and respect life in all its many forms.

  • Hardcover: 36 pages
  • Publisher: Compendium Inc (July 15, 2012)
  • Language: English
  • Includes the hardcover book, dozens of punch-out animals & a habitat storage box.

List Price: $34.95

Where to Purchase: http://www.live-inspired.com/Care-for-Our-World-play-set-P1095, http://www.amazon.com/Care-World-Play-Punch-Out-Hardcover/dp/1935414631/ref=sr_1_9?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1343869057&sr=1-9

The book is also available separately (list price: $16.95): http://www.live-inspired.com/Care-for-Our-World-book-P1094, http://www.amazon.com/Care-World-Book-Karen-Robbins/dp/1935414615

Here’s what I love about this book & playset:

  • The beautiful rhyming words flow easily as you read this book outloud & inspire kids to think about all the gifts of nature and living creatures from forest, jungle, or sea that live in our world and a plea to take care of them.
  • The illustrations by Alexandra Ball are breathtaking! Really more works of art than just illustrations.
  • I love the gentleness of both the words & illustrations. Both evoke feelings of calmness & kindness. I love that the message of caring for the earth is done in a kid-friendly way.
  • The book & playset items are printed with soy ink.
  • The playset animals & trees are made of very thick, sturdy cardboard. The kids I work with tend to be very rough on things so I am planning on having the items preassembled when I use them. I wrote the name of the item on each base using a very fine-tip permanent market before I punched the items out to aide in easy assembly. The items have to be taken apart to fit back in the storage box.
  • The playset is wonderful to use to work on vocabulary, following directions, spatial concepts, adjectives, etc….

Here’s a “sneek peek” inside the book & playset:

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UPDATE: Check out this post for a review of the new app version of this book: https://omazingkidsllc.com/2017/04/22/app-review-care-for-our-world-an-amazing-app-for-earth-day-or-any-day/

Be sure to check out their social media sites:  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/liveinspiredeveryday  Twitter: http://twitter.com/LiveInspired Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/iliveinspired/.

Also check out Alexandra Ball’s, the illustrator, websites & social media pages: http://www.alexandraball.co.uk/, http://www.illustrationweb.com/artists/AlexandraBall/view, http://www.facebook.com/AlexandraBallIllustration, http://twitter.com/miss_bally_ball, http://pinterest.com/missballyball/my-illustrations/. She was SO kind to share black and white illustrations from the book to use as coloring sheets with the kids! Since the theme of the book is all about kindness & caring it was really cool to be able to tell the kids how the illustrator shared these via e-mail all the way from the UK 🙂

Here is a 6-page PDF coloring booklet I put together with a cover, the illustrations above and kids kindness & peace pledges: care for our world coloring sheets and peace pledges – OMazing Kids

The kids LOVED coloring as part of relaxation at the Inclusive OMazing Kids Yoga Class at JDMC! It was the Monday following the tragedy in Aurora, Colorado so this book & coloring activity were a perfect way to share a message of peace & kindness 🙂

 

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 FB page (http://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsYoga?v=app_197602066931325) & mention how you would be using this book & playset.  (comments must be in English; must include full first & last name; 1 entry per Facebook account). Details count in determining the Grand Prize winner.
  2. For one additional entry, leave a comment on this blog post. Must mention how you would be using this book & playset. 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 Giveaways 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 & playset. 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 August 4, 2012.

Rules of Participation:

  • Must be 18 years or older with a valid e-mail address.
  • Only USA 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 Giveaways 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.
  • One (1) grand prize winner for the playset w/ book & two (2) book winners will be chosen via a random drawing of valid entries on August 5, 2012.
  • The grand prize winner will receive 1 playset w/ book. The two book winners will each receive 1 copy of the book.
  • The winner will be notified via e-mail and will be posted on the blog post.
  • The winner’s address will be forwarded to the company and they will be mailing the prize directly to the winner.
  • Prize Value: $34.95 playset w/ book; $16.95 book

Other Legal Stuff: I know it’s just a playset & 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

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: Sophia’s Jungle Adventure by Giselle Shardlow @ Kids Yoga Stories

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Looking for unique, interactive and educational books for 4 to 8 year olds that will spark their creativity and get them moving? Check out the fun new books from Kids Yoga Stories!

 

Product Details: Sophia’s Jungle Adventure is a kids yoga class for 4 to 8 year olds woven through a story. Sophia and her family take a journey through a Costa Rican jungle and meet up with different animals such as toucans, snakes, and butterflies.

The storybook includes a List of Yoga Poses and a Parent-Teacher Guide.

List Price: $15.95

  • Paperback: 40 pages
  • Publisher: CreateSpace (May 19, 2012)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1475225482
  • ISBN-13: 978-1475225488
  • Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.5 x 0.1 inches

Where to Purchase: Available on their website w/ PayPal: http://www.kidsyogastories.com/sophias-jungle-adventure/ & on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Sophias-Jungle-Adventure-Includes-Parent-Teacher/dp/1475225482.

A Sophia’s Jungle Adventure Coloring Book is also available to go with the book (List Price: $9.95): http://www.kidsyogastories.com/sophias-coloring-book/ & on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Sophias-Jungle-Adventure-Coloring-Book/dp/1477414320.

  • Paperback: 28 pages
  • Publisher: CreateSpace (May 31, 2012)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1477414320
  • ISBN-13: 978-1477414323
  • Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.5 x 0.1 inches

Kids Yoga Stories is having a 15% off sale from July 18 to 21, 2012 at www.kidsyogastories.com! (sale price is only available on items purchased directly through their website)

Here’s what I love about this book & coloring book:

  • Great eco-friendly theme! Sophia & her friends are in an Environment Club at school 🙂
  • Each page in the book includes the targeted pose in bold font in the text & a picture of the pose in the top right corner. This makes it easy to keep the flow in a kids yoga storytime especially for those who are new to yoga and may not know all the poses. Additional details are provided in the back of the book.
  • There are 18 poses in the book. Plenty to fill most kids yoga classes for the targeted age range (4-8 year olds). For a longer class, you could add poses for other animals you might see in a jungle and talk about conservation/eco-friendly choices to extend the theme. Suggestions are provided in the book.
  • Each page in the coloring book includes the name of that item in the story, the name of the pose and illustrations of both Sophia doing the pose and some of the elements from that scene in the story. The illustrations and font sizes are large & clear.
  • The Parent-Teacher Guide section at the end of the book & the coloring book are goldmines of great tips for setting up a fun & safe yoga storytime for kids. Gotta share this quote from the end of both books: “Ooze creativity, imagination and abundance. Encourage each child to tap into his or her own creativity and imagination through movement and breath. Welcome quiet times for reflection. Pause often. Remember, it’s not the end result, but the journey where miracles happen…“. Giselle’s passion and love for kids shines through 🙂
  • Love the inclusion of Savasana at the end of the book & the idea of Sophia putting her notebook on her belly!
  • The book has bright colorful illustrations & a nice easy-to-read font size.
  • Lots of great vocabulary & descriptive language will make this book fun to use in my work as a SLP 🙂

Here’s a “sneek peek” inside the book & coloring book:

Be sure to sign up for their newsletter & check out the great “free resources” section on their website:

http://www.kidsyogastories.com/free-resources/. She just shared a fun free Summer Olympic Yoga Lesson Plan for kids!

They are also on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/KidsYogaStories & Twitter: http://twitter.com/kidsyogastories.

More info about the author: http://www.kidsyogastories.com/about/ and feedback from folks who have used her books: http://www.kidsyogastories.com/testimonials/.

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 FB page (http://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsYoga?v=app_197602066931325) & 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 Giveaways 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 July 20, 2012.

Rules of Participation:

  • Must be 18 years or older with a valid e-mail address.
  • International 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 Giveaways 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.
  • One (1) winner will be chosen via a random drawing of valid entries on July 21, 2012.
  • The winner will receive one (1) copy of the book + one (1) copy of the coloring book (what a cool combo!).
  • The winner will be notified via e-mail and will be posted on the blog post.
  • The winner’s address will be forwarded to the company and they will be mailing the prize directly to the winner.
  • Prize Value: $15.96 book & $9.95 coloring book

Other Legal Stuff: I know it’s just a 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

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.

Earth Day Giveaway from Your True Nature

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Want some fun eco-friendly products to use in your kids yoga classes? Then check out Your True Nature!

Your True Nature has over 150 eco-friendly “Advice from Nature” gifts available on their website and in shops across the US.

Here is a “sneek peek” at a few of my favorite Your True Nature products…

My very favorite item is their Advice from Nature Mini-Cards Tin – you get a tin of 72 mini illustrated cards (1″ x 3″) each containing heart-tickling wisdom from nature. I have a set at my desk and pick a card each morning to get my “Advice from Nature” for that day.  I also have a set to use in OMazing Kids yoga classes. We pick a card and do a yoga pose or activity inspired by the card 🙂

A few of my other favorite Your True Nature products:

Gotta love their fun bookmarks! They have bunches to choose from….. here a couple of my faves:

 

Love these great mini-books to use with older kids or teens……

 

Here is a free kids yoga lesson plan that I wrote for Your True Nature inspired by “Advice from a River” : kids yoga lesson plan inspired by advice from a river – your true nature (2 page PDF). It is also available on the Your True Nature website, along with other lesson plans, at: http://www.yourtruenature.com/yoga.

Website: http://www.yourtruenature.com/

Sign up for free materials at: http://www.yourtruenature.com/free-nature-materials 

Free screensavers at: http://www.yourtruenature.com/downloadable-screensavers

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

Want to enter for a chance to win a $60.00 shopping spree on the True Nature website? ($50.00 of products + $10.00 to cover shipping).

How to enter the giveaway:

  1. Enter via the “Giveaways” tab on the OMazing Kids FB page (http://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsYoga?v=app_197602066931325) & mention how you would be using the Your True Nature products with your child or the children you work with. (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 the Your True Nature products with your child or the children you work with. (comments must be in English; 1 entry per person; must have a valid e-mail address)
  3. Tips: You increase your odds of winning by entering via both methods. Entering via the “Giveaways” tab will save me the step of having to obtain your mailing address to confirm that you live in the USA – the info you complete on the tab comes directly to me via an e-mail.

Entry Deadline: Enter by any of the methods listed above by 11:59pm CST on April 20, 2012.

Rules of Participation:

  • Must be 18 years or older with a valid e-mail address.
  • Only USA 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 Giveaways Here…. tab on Facebook may be copied & pasted into the blog post.
  • Odds of winning will depend on the number of eligible entries received.
  • One (1) winner will be chosen via a random drawing of valid entries on April 21, 2012.
  • The winner will get a discount code via e-mail for $60.00 from Your True Nature. The winner will be able to use the code to purchase ~$50.00 of products & ~10.00 of shipping on the Your True Nature website. Any questions about how to use the discount code will be answered by Your True Nature.
  • The winners will be notified via e-mail and will be posted on the blog post.
  • If a winner only entered via blog post, their mailing address will be obtained via e-mail.
  • In the event that a winner does not respond within 24 hours, a new winner will be selected via a random drawing.
  • The winner’s e-mail address will be forwarded to the company and they will be e-mailing the discount code directly to the winner.
  • Prize Value: retail price $60.00

Other Legal Stuff: I know it’s just eco-friendly nature-inspired products 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

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.

Earth Day Every Day – ideas for teaching kids about eco-friendly living

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Earth Day is April 22. But to make a true impact make every day Earth Day.

Commit to protect the environment. Take action. Learn – teach – share. Want info about “Earth Day”? Check out the EPA website: http://www.epa.gov/earthday/ & http://www.epa.gov/students/teachers.html. And a great blog post: http://www.ecobabysteps.com/2011/07/19/how-to-teach-your-children-about-eco-friendly-living/. I love the tips they give, especially about being “easy going”, giving kids a little information at a time, don’t scare them, and let them arrive on their own at the place where it clicks.

Here are a few suggestions for things to use in teaching kids about eco-friendly living. ….

Books (Earth Day, Conservation, Recycling, Environment, etc…):

10 Things I Can Do to Help My World by Melanie Walsh (free activity guide: http://www.walker.co.uk/UserFiles/file/Ten%20Things/10Things%20Activities-02.pdf)

All Around Me I See by Laya Steinberg (activities: http://dawnpub.com/activities/Camo_Activity.pdf, free teachers guide from the author: http://www.layasteinberg.com/AAteacherguide.pdf)

All the World by Liz Garton Scanlon (post from Alluem Kids Yoga: http://alluemkids.blogspot.com/2011/03/all-world.html – includes a great visualization idea & a free teachers guide from the author: http://www.lizgartonscanlon.com/PDFS/All%20The%20World%20TG.pdf )

Care for Our World book & playset from Compendium / Live Inspired

Earth Day: An Alphabet Book by Gary Kowalski

Earth Day Birthday by Pattie Schnetzler

Green by Laura Vaccaro Seeger (video trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVQeY8bodYs)

How Can I Help? (series of 3 books: Protect the Land, Protect the Ocean, Save the Wildlife) by Earthwise Kids

Michael Recycle by Ellie Bethel

My Mama Earth by Susan B. Katz (See a video preview on Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-joIbJSDN4o)

One Child, One Planet: Inspiration for the Young Conservationist by Bridget McGovern Llewellyn (website: http://onechildoneplanet.com/)

Our Big Home: An Earth Poem by Linda Glaser (free activity guide: http://www.lindaglaserauthor.com/Our_Big_Home.pdf)

The EARTH Book by Todd Parr (free coloring pages: http://www.toddparr.com/imgs/fun/earthbook_coloring.pdf, the author reading the book: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXnWUS_K0XQ)

The Happiness Tree by Andrea Alban Gosline (free teachers guide: http://www.ambledance.com/media/pdf/HT_Teachers_Guide.pdf)

The Lorax by Dr. Seuss  (see website below)

This Tree Counts by Alison Formento (free teachers guide: http://www.alisonashleyformento.com/Alison_Ashley_Formento/MY_BOOKS_files/Teacher%27s_Guide_THIS_TREE_COUNTS.pdf)

Where One There Was a Wood by Denise Fleming (free activities: http://www.denisefleming.com/pages/activities-wood.html)

 Coloring Pages (to be eco-friendly, use both sides of the paper):

“Save Our Species” free coloring book from US EPA – http://www.epa.gov/espp/coloring/cbook.pdf

Free kids Earth Day Booklet from US EPA – http://www.energystar.gov/ia/business/k12_schools/KidsBrochure.pdf

Environmental Websites for Kids:

Conserving Now: http://www.conservingnow.com/parent-resources#pre

Dr. Seuess’ The Lorax Project – http://www.seussville.com/loraxproject/ & http://www.seussville.com/Educators/lorax_classroom/educatorlorax_discuss.php

Kids for Saving Earth – http://www.kidsforsavingearth.org/

Leave No Trace – http://www.lnt.org/programs/peak.php 

PBS EekoWorld – http://pbskids.org/eekoworld/ 

Planet Pals – http://www.planetpals.com/

small potatoes mother earth post

Check out this fabulous post on the Small Potatoes blog! http://mysmallpotatoes.com/2012/04/20/namaste-mother-earth/

KYS Earth Day free lesson plan

Free Earth Day lesson plan from Kids Yoga Stories: http://www.kidsyogastories.com/free-resources/

earth day memory game

Printable Earth Day Memory Game from LearnCreateLove.com: http://learncreatelove.com/?p=7018

natural kidz

Check out the Natural Kidz website for lots of eco-friendly products: http://naturalkidz.com/

Share your ideas for helping kids learn about being eco-friendly & going green by leaving a comment below or joining the discussion on the OMazing Kids Yoga Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsYoga 🙂

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

Speech-Language Pathologist

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

Radiant Child Yoga Certified – Levels 1 & 2

E-Mail: amoorad1@juno.com

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

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: Love is the Color of a Rainbow…. plus some “rainbow” yoga ideas

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Love is the Color of a Rainbow – a wonderful heartfelt story!

Product description: This softcover book is a heartfelt story about Willow, a little girl who has been blind since birth, who hears pit-pats of the first summer rain and quickly encourages her Mama to go outside. Mama shares all the colors of a rainbow with Willow through nature and Willow experiences that “Love is the Color of a Rainbow”. The gentle pastel chalk illustrations invite kids to experience nature through their senses to discover the colors of the rainbow.

Here’s what I LOVE about this book:

  • positive portrayal of a child with special needs
  • beautiful illustrations
  • the nurturing relationship portrayed between the mother & daughter in the story
  • the book has several opportunities to incorporate yoga poses (raindrop tapping – either individually on own chest or as partner pose on each others backs – note: great opportunity for kids to work on social skills to ask each other to be partners, ask permission before touching, ask their partner if they want “rain” pats (more of a slow deep pressure) or light “tickle taps” on their back – be mindful of kids individual sensory needs, frog, snail – child’s pose, tree, bird, tomatoes – stretch & reach overhead to “pick”, flower, butterfly, sun – sun stretch & breath – for details & a sun printable see my previous post at: http://wp.me/p1t7TU-1T, blue sky – lay in star pose, hug – hug knees into chest)
  • the book is printed on eco-friendly 100% Post Consumer recycled paper
  • the author donates a portion of the sales to support nature & environmental organizations

The only improvement I would suggest for the book would for the text to be in a larger font to make it easier to read.

A sneek peek at a few pages inside the book:

 

Price at the time of this post: $12.00 – available for purchase on the author’s website: http://www.kathyparra.com/

Author’s Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/ByKathyParra

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

Other things to go with a Rainbow theme:

Fun rainbow kids yoga ideas in this blog post from Mary Keiger at AUsomely Social:  A Mindful Journey Over the Rainbow

A Rainbow of Colors kids yoga ideas in this blog post from Be Yoga Be Love: A Rainbow of Colors

Great Kira Willey songs:

https://soundcloud.com/kira-willey-music/underneath-the-rainbow

https://soundcloud.com/kira-willey-music/colors

Relaxing Rainbow – guided relaxation script card  – (inspired by a post on www.childmeditations.com)

Click on picture above to open the PDF, print, cut out, fold in half & laminate. Show picture side to the kids so they can get an image in their mind of what a rainbow looks like before laying down. The adult then reads the relaxation script in a slow calming manner with frequent pauses.

A great rainbow – namebow affirmation craft (from A Cupcake for the Teacher) – click on the picture to go to the blog:

Cute rainbow shakers to make(from Activity Village – click on picture to go to website):

Craft – Make a Rainbow Shaker (from Making Learning Fun) – click on the picture to go to their website

Another simple rainbow craft idea! This would be a great way to work on colors, short-longer-longest & sequencing by size:

rainbow simple craft

Rainbow Coloring Pages (4 page PDF) – click on picture to open

Encourage healthy habits by “eating the colors of the rainbow”: http://www.celebratehealthyeating.org/pdf/spr/dan_eatrainbow.pdf

My Favorite Color Guided Relaxation from Yoga in My School:  http://yogainmyschool.com/2010/06/15/my-favourite-colour-a-guided-visualization-for-relaxation/

Rainbow Guided relaxations for kids mp3’s: http://www.amazon.com/Rainbow-Friend-Meditation/dp/B003MRGGT2, http://www.amazon.com/Rainbow-Blanket/dp/B001NW77UU/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&s=dmusic&qid=1329153092&sr=1-9

R. Carlos Nakai – World Of Rainbows (Canyon Trilogy Track 11) –http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LaM__sGVJuY, on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000QMW4RY/ref=dm_dp_trk11?ie=UTF8&qid=1329153030&sr=1-25

Piano instrumental version of Over the Rainbow: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0012JT3DS/ref=dm_dp_trk7?ie=UTF8&qid=1329153092&sr=1-11

One of my favorite songs is “Underneath the Rainbow” by Kira Willey: https://soundcloud.com/kira-willey-music/underneath-the-rainbow

How to enter the giveaway:

  1. Enter via the “Giveaways” tab on the OMazing Kids Yoga FB page (http://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsYoga?v=app_197602066931325) & mention your favorite color & how you would be using this book with your child or the children you work with. (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 your favorite color & how you would be using this book with your child or the children you work with. (comments must be in English; 1 entry per person; must have a valid e-mail address)
  3. Tips: You increase your odds of winning by entering via both methods. Entering via the “Giveaways” tab will save me the step of having to obtain your mailing address – the info you complete on the tab comes directly to me via an e-mail.

Entry Deadline: Enter by any of the methods listed above by 11:59pm CST on February 14, 2012.

Rules of Participation:

  • Must be 18 years or older with a valid e-mail address.
  • International entries are being allowed for this particular giveaway.
  • Employees or family members of OMazing Kids Yoga, LLC or the product’s company are not eligible.
  • No purchase required.
  • Comments submitted via the Enter Giveaways Here…. tab on Facebook 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 February 15, 2012.
  • The winners will each get one (1) copy of the “Love is the Color of a Rainbow” book.
  • The winners will be notified via e-mail and will be posted on the blog post.
  • If a winner only entered via blog post, their mailing address will be obtained via e-mail.
  • In the event that a winner does not respond within 24 hours, a new winner will be selected via a random drawing.
  • The winner’s address will be forwarded to the company and they will be mailing the product directly to the winner.
  • Prize Value: retail price $12.00

Other Legal Stuff: I know it’s just a kids 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 Yoga, 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 Yoga, LLC, which shall be final in all respects; (b) to release, discharge, and hold harmless OMazing Kids Yoga, 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 Yoga, LLC – inclusive yoga for kids & teens of all abilities in Norman, Oklahoma

Radiant Child Yoga Certified – Levels 1 & 2

E-Mail: amoorad1@juno.com

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

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

Blog: http://omazingkidsyoga.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: Omolulu Yoga for Children DVD

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 Brrr! Winter cold has definitely set in here. Looking for a fun indoor activity for kids? One with a Hawaiian-flair to it? Then check out the new Omolulu Yoga for Children DVD!

This fun-filled educational DVD supports core mental, emotional, physical development in children through the practice of yoga. Omolulu includes four 15-minute sequences tailored to focus on specific developmental areas for children.

  • I love how the poses flow well into each other in each segment.
  • I love the inclusion of two simple mantras at the beginning of each segment that capture the purpose for the segment.
  • I love, love, love the Om Mantra song used as part of relaxation at the end of each segment!
  • This DVD would be best suited for children 5-10 years of age.
  • See additional comments in each segment 🙂

Earth: Focus and Concentration (15 minutes)

“I am grounded… I am balanced” – This sequence teaches breathing exercises and yoga poses that develop focus and concentration, leaving you feeling ready to learn.

  • I learned two new breathing activities by watching this segment: bird breath & a different variation of rainbow breath.
  • I loved the cues “if you had headlights on your hips, they would be in front” during Warrior I pose and “your foot is like a kickstand at your ankle” during tree pose.

Short preview clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTYA5Fh8IVo

Water: Calm and Center (15 minutes)

“I am calm… I am centered” – This sequence teaches breathing exercises and yoga poses that calm and center, leaving you with a rested body, calm mind, and soothed emotions.

  • Nice simplified version of alternate nostril breathing
  • Poses flow well into each other

Short preview clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91p4PdOeaXw

Fire: Coordination and Strength (15 minutes)

“I am strong… I am joyful” – This sequence teaches breathing exercises and yoga poses that develop strength and coordination, leaving you feeling energized.

  • I learned another new breathing activity by watching this segment: breath of joy
  • The poses in this section may be a little challenging for younger kids who are still developing balance

Short preview clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1f0BNVabfWs

Space (Partner Poses): Sharing and Communication (15 minutes)

“I am a good listener… I am kind to others” – This sequence teaches breathing exercises and partner yoga poses that cultivate communication, cooperation, finesse, and awareness of self and others.

  • I learned another new breathing activity by watching this segment: lotus flower breath
  • Unique partner variations of familiar poses that kids love: partner butterfly, partner flower & partner turtle.

Short preview clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7dST9w5Gdo

Breathing Hale (10 minutes)

A library of all 9 breathing exercises from the four element sequences, broken down specifically and slowly for reference or practice outside of the sequences.

  • This will be nice way to learn individual breathing activities before sequencing them into a flow.

Short preview clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DnClmYxZY0M

Yoga Pose Hale (20 minutes)

  • This will be nice way to learn individual poses before sequencing them into a flow.

A library of all 23 of the yoga poses from the four element sequences, broken down specifically and slowly for reference or practice outside of the sequences.

Short preview clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bKy1MystOQ

Additional Info:

Omolulu website: http://omolulu.com/ & Facebook page: www.facebook.com/omolulu

Description of DVD by the founder, Brynne Caleda : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JsLpJgp3mgE

Video of the Omolulu Mantra Relaxation w/ Lyrics – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7MEbSZ3RA4 

DVD Price (as of this post date): $16.95

Purchase online at: http://store.omolulu.com/products/yoga-for-children

When you order this DVD, their website indicates that you will receive a free HD digital download* of the DVD, delivered to your inbox instantly.

  • The digital download is an H.264 mp4 which is compatible with iPhone, iPad, PS3, xbox and any other mobile devices. This is a large file, so please be patient when downloading.
  • DVD comes in a recycled board eco-wallet and is printed with non-toxic vegetable based ink. Smaller packing = Smaller Carbon Footprint

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

How to enter the Omululu Yoga for Children DVD giveaway:

  1. Leave a comment on this blog post. Must mention how you would be using this DVD with your child or the children you work with. (comments must be in English; 1 entry per person; must have a valid e-mail address)
  2. For one additional entry, enter via the “Giveaways” tab on the OMazing Kids Yoga FB page (http://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsYoga?v=app_197602066931325)  & mention how you would be using this DVD with your child or the children you work with (comments must be in English; 1 entry per Facebook account).

Entry Deadline: Enter by any of the methods listed above by 11:59pm CST on December 9, 2011.

Rules of Participation:

  • Must be 18 years or older with a valid e-mail address.
  • International entries are being allowed for this particular giveaway :)
  • Employees or family members of OMazing Kids Yoga, LLC or Omolulu are not eligible.
  • No purchase required.
  • 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 December 10, 2011.
  • Each winner will get one (1) copy of the Omolulu Yoga for Children DVD.
  • The winners will be notified via e-mail.
  • In the event that a winner does not respond within 24 hours, a new winner will be selected via a random drawing.
  • The winner’s mailing address will be obtained via e-mail and will be forwarded to Omolulu.
  • Omolulu will be shipping the DVD directly to the winner.
  • Prize Value: retail price $16.95.

Other Legal Stuff: I know it’s just a kids 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 Yoga, 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 Yoga, LLC, which shall be final in all respects; (b) to release, discharge, and hold harmless OMazing Kids Yoga, 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 Yoga, LLC – inclusive yoga for kids & teens of all abilities in Norman, Oklahoma

Radiant Child Yoga Certified – Levels 1 & 2

E-Mail: amoorad1@juno.com

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

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

Blog: https://omazingkidsyoga.wordpress.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.

Product Review: EnviroKid™ cushion – a non-toxic, eco-friendly, sensory-friendly seating option for kids of all abilities

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Looking for a non-toxic, eco-friendly, sensory-friendly seating option for kids of all abilities?

Then the EnviroKid™ cushion would be a great option to consider!

 

We have been trying out two of the EnviroKid™ cushions at the JD McCarty Center for Children with Developmental Disabilities in OMazing Kids Yoga, in a Storytime group and as an adapted seating option.

 

Key features of the cushion:

  • PVC-Free and Phthalate-Free EnviroKid™ Cushion is available in a variety of soothing colors.
  • The outer covering is EnviroLeather, PVC-Free Synthetic Leather® which is engineered to:
    • adjust to your child’s body temperature quickly
    • stand up to even the most “active” of children
    • be cleaned easily
  • 26”x 26” dimensions.

 

The uses for the EnviroKid™ cushion in a kids yoga studio setting are wonderfully described in a post by Childlight Yoga (http://www.thekidsyogaresource.com/2011/08/envirokid-cushions-a-zafu-for-kids-and-a-whole-lot-more.html). So rather that duplicate that information, I am focusing my review on the additional therapeutic uses for this cushion.

 

The unique properties of the EnviroKid™ cushion are difficult to describe….. but after sitting on it you will see what makes it very different from any other cushion or bean bag chair. You gently sink in and the beads in the cushion conform around you and then remain in place to provide a nice feeling of support. The non-toxic, eco-friendly aspects of the cushion are especially important when working with kids with special needs as they tend to be more sensitive or susceptible to environmental toxins.

 

Brittany H., one of our Physical Therapists, was amazed at how well the EnviroKid™ cushion supported one of her patients… “A child I see frequently has been working on trunk control. He has spastic quadriplegia and requires maximal assistance to maintain an upright position at the edge of a mat table with his feet supported on a bench.  He loses his sitting balance after only a few seconds when manual support is removed. I have been using the EnviroKid™ cushion during our last few sessions. The cushion provides enough support to allow him to sit independently for 1-2 minutes at a time while still challenging his trunk control. He was able to use his dominant hand to play with a toy while sitting independently. I love the way the cushion forms around his pelvis, giving just enough support to provide independence while still requiring trunk righting responses and engaging core muscles for strengthening and control”.

 

One of our Speech-Language Pathologists used the cushion with a patient whose disabilities are secondary to Shaken Baby Syndrome. His grandmother was so excited about how well he sat in the EnviroKid™  cushion that she indicated she is going to see if his school will order one so he can sit on the floor with the other kids.

 

Given my observations of kids reactions to the EnviroKid™ cushion, it is likely that kids with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) and Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) would enjoy sitting on the cushion because it conforms around you, has a soft suede-like surface, is lower to the ground than a typical beanbag chair & is odor-free (no chemical-like odor like many beanbag chairs have).

 

One of the EnviroKid™ cushions has been out for general use in our very busy rehab treatment area and after several weeks of use has not shown any signs of wear…. A good sign since the kids we work with can tend to be tough on stuff.

 

The price of the EnviroKid™ cushion ($57.95) may be a little high if folks think it is just an eco-friendly pillow or beanbag chair alternative…. but it’s a good price compared to yoga zafu cushions or when compared to therapeutic adapted seating options.

 

The EnviroKid™ cushion is available for ordering on their website: http://myenvirokid.com/envirokid-cushion/

 

For more info about the dangers of PVC, BPA, Phthalates, etc…. read this: http://myenvirokid.com/why-pvc-free-phthalate-free/

 

 

A YouTube video about the Info about the EnviroLeather material used to make the  EnviroKid™ cushions:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSUDI24wn-8

 

Disclaimer: I received two free EnviroKid™ cushions to facilitate my review.  Opinions expressed are my own based on direct observations and feedback that I received regarding their use.

 

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

Speech-Language Pathologist with 21 years of pediatric experience

Radiant Child Yoga Certified – Levels 1 & 2

Founder of OMazing Kids Yoga – inclusive yoga for kids & teens of all abilities

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

JDMC Website: www.jdmc.org