Pope Joan for Women's History Month? Was Everyone Real Taken?

March is National Women's History Month and in honor of that event, who has Reelz Channel chosen to highlight? A real woman who made contributions to the betterment of her gender? No. They're airing "Pope Joan" a schmaltzy fantasy movie based on a fictional account (by Donna Woolfolk Cross) of a medieval legend. What, National Women's History Project, is this the best representative you think we women can provide? Were no flesh-and-blood female heroes available that you had to go with a myth? Here's a list of real women or at least more appropriate literary choices. Pope Joan for Women's History Month? Were No Real Gals Available?

Celebrating St. Patrick's Day, Irish history with Books

St. Patrick's Day is a feast day, celebrated on March 17, in the Catholic liturgical calendar. Like Valentine's Day, it has also become a major U.S. holiday. Patricus, a Roman Briton was taken from his home as a slave, but returned as a bishop to bring Christianity to Ireland. Speaking as a descendant of Irish immigrants, I'd like to see the day celebrated with fewer green shamrocks and more focus on the religious and cultural significance of the holiday. Here are ways to celebrate the man we call St. Patrick and explore Irish traditions with kids.  Celebrating St. Patrick's Day, Irish history with children

Best Valentine's Day Gifts for Mothers and Wives

Men often put off shopping for Valentine's Day gifts for their sweethearts. At the last minute, they grab chocolates and flowers. Booorrrring!! Here are Valentine gift suggestions for her that will delight. There are two important rules of thumb to remember when shopping for women. First, we can spot a 'quick grab' gift with no thought involved a mile away. Next, we're suckers for a guy who knows us and buys special things he knows we'll like (books by favorite author, signature scent, favorite wine, wall art by favorite artist, poetry that speaks to us personally). Create a personalized book gift basket, reader's corner or spa getaway with books. Best Valentine's Day Gifts for Mothers and Wives

Herge's 'Tintin' Children's Series--Racist or Reflective of Period?

 "The Adventures of Tintin," a Belgian children's graphic novel and cartoon series by Herge (nom-de-plume of Georges Remi), is finding popularity with U.S. film-going families as an animated feature. However, fans of Tintin were in danger of losing one book of the series, "Tintin in the Congo," which came under threat of banning for inciting acts of racial hatred. A Brussels court has just handed down its verdict: they found Tintin did not violate Belgium's anti-racism laws, says Reuters. The Tintin fracas reflects prevailing cultural mores about what's defines bigotry." Like efforst to sanitize Mark Twain's Huckleberry Finn, Agatha Christie's "Ten Little Indians" and others, it may not take into account the social and cultural milieu of the time. Can we indict authors in retrospect for not recognizing what will offent future generations. Is there a unilateral definition of racism and hatred? Or does the time period effect the author? Here are facts on Tintin and Herge to help us decide, at least in this case. Herge's 'Tintin' Children's Book Declared Not Racist

Are Fantasy Books Healthy for Kids?

Is fantasy literature safe for children? Let's look at addictive, psychological and separation issues. Opponents of fantasy literature worry about the fearful aspects of fantasy. They contend that fantasy literature threatens emotionally fragile children by its unreality. Fantasy may create an existential crisis wherein the child cannot separate fantasy from reality. Reading fantasy literature may produce what is called in special education "perseverative behavior." The concern is that kids who read fantasy literature will only read fantasy and never explore other genres. Here are some issues. Children's Fantasy Literature Concerns

Free Printable Reading Games and Activities

Anytime teachers can make a game out of learning activities, education becomes more enjoyable and interactive. Research shows that students retain information that they have actively participated with. Educational activities easily become too predictable and therefore can also become meaningless. Just the act of getting out of the desk and onto the floor breaks the monotony. Here are some free printable reading games for your homeschool and classroom. Use these free printables for preschool, day care, tutoring and lesson plans.  Read more

DIY Gothic Haunted House Like Dark Shadows

When I was in Kindergarten in 1968, kids loved to watch TV after school (if you had TV-we didn't so I had to go to the neighbors' house). But did we get cute cartoons? Oh no! What awaited kids was a show that that's I'm still convinced is the most terrifying ever made: Dark Shadows. My heart is in my throat thinking of it 43 years later. Just the name Barnabas Collins sends chills down my spine. 

What was the secret behind these early creep shows that still terrifies us today? I maintain as do others my age, that these shows offered a unique kind of horror. Dark Shadows relied on subtle sensory details-- light, music, sound and, well, shadows. To my knowledge, we never saw anyone injured or killed. It was all implied. That's how it's done in the best film noir shows.  Want to create a Gothic Halloween haunted house based on Dark Shadows? Here's one worthy of Edgar Allen Poe. This type of haunted house could be adapted easily for a theater or literature class. How to Create a Gothic Haunted House