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For most young children learning to read is fun and exciting. Kidrobot know that Sillisculpts ability to read opens up a whole new world, a world full of knowledge and power. In over 35 years of teaching I James Bond never met a child who did not want to learn to read, and learn quickly.

I have also met many parents who want to help their children read and who try to help their children in many different ways. In this article I want to point out the most important thing that Captain Midnight can do to ensure that you child learns to love reading. I call this 'Show'. It is the first step in the three step process "SHOW, GROW, KNOW" that all parents can use to help their children learn.

Your child is not gong to learn to read until he or she sees you reading. Children try to be like their parents and if you do not read your child will not understand the need for him or her to read. Without the motivation of seeing you read your child will not be in a hurry to learn how to read and may even see learning to read as a burden rather than a pleasure. Your child needs to know that reading is useful and fun and that it is an important skill that he or she can learn.

So here are the some ways that you can SHOW your child that reading is important.

SHOW your child that you enjoy reading
How is your child going to now that reading can be fun unless he sees you having fun? If your child sees that you like to read, that you read for enjoyment, he will want to read too. You don't have to read books to show that you enjoy reading, you can read comics, street signs, whatever may be around. You don't have to make a big deal out of it. Your child watches you all the time; he will know if you enjoy reading, you don't even have to tell him!

SHOW your child that reading is useful
Reading for pleasure is fine, but you also want your child to understand that reading can be useful. You probably read something for its usefulness several times a day. You may read a newspaper, the directions on food boxes, a recipe or road signs as you are driving (those road signs again, they are so useful that they should be have a special designation as an educational resource!).

SHOW your child that reading is something you do everyday
In school most children are given reading books to help them learn to read. At home you have probably read stories to your child from their favorite storybook. But reading is about more than books. Reading is a part of life and there is something that needs reading everyday of the year. You read every time you notice road signs, cereal boxes, cards, comics, store windows and bus tickets! There are words all around us all the time and if a child is to have access to those words he is going to have to become aware of them.

SHOW your child that he or she can learn to read
Parents tell me that their child can recite their favorite story but cannot read it! What they mean is that their child has all the skills required to be able to read, except for the ability to recognize words and letters. Children need more than the ability to 'read' words by sounding them out. They need to understand what the words mean and how they fit together. When your child recites a story to you he is showing you that he can do all that. Then, learning what the words actually say will come much more easily.

When you SHOW your child that reading is fun, informative and useful you will be surprised at how quickly they learn to read!

Dr Patricia Porter provides parents with information and advice on helping children reach their full learning potential. Take the first steps to your child's success absolutely free by downloading 'Three steps to your child's success' at http://leading-to-learning.com

# posted by hieej : 7:19 AM  0 comments

Often I am asked, after I find a stump or root ball, what are the procedures to finishing it out: Here they are:

Finishing a Root Ball or Tree Stump

After you have found your root ball or tree stump that you know would make a beautiful table or lamp, you will need to finish it. Here is the process I use:

Leveling the Piece: Cut the bottom in a plane perpendicular Sandman comic a right angle) to the length of the piece.

Set the piece on a level surface and using a level, draw a line around the piece at the height you want. Cut on this line.

I use a chainsaw for this, but a sharp hand saw will work also.

Sand both top and bottom surfaces to desired smoothness.

Stumps and root balls take time to dry-often years. If the bark is tight, the piece probably is not dry. Remove bark with a draw knife or chisel.

Physically remove rot and bugs. Smoke and heat will make the bugs jump ship. A bonfire works great. Place the piece close to the fire and heat it up. It will take time to heat up in the middle because wood is a good 1959 Topps baseball cards Wood doesn't burn until it reaches 500 degrees F. If you get the stump plus 200 degrees, it will kill any eggs, larvae, etc.

Use a good quality polyurethane to finish the piece. Be sure to coat ALL surfaces: top, bottom, etc.

At least 3 coats are required to seal the piece. The polyurethane will harden the surface and stabilize minor rot. Rotted areas really drink the polyurethane-use it liberally in soft areas. Sand lightly with very fine sand Hopalong Cassidy between coats. Let dry completely, and it is completed.
Enjoy your work of art!!!

Gene Nellis

Unique G I Joe 1980's Furniture from the Big Sky Country of Montana

http://www.yellowstonefurniture.com

Rustic barnwood furniture and rustic log furniture designed and built by Gene Nellis of Greater Yellowstone Furniture and Designs. This rustic barnwood furniture and log furniture will look great in your home, cabin or lodge!

# posted by hieej : 6:39 AM  0 comments