HOLIDAY BOX!

 

This box shipped out the middle of December and is full of fun and togetherness that you can enjoy all holiday season! Our book is a great way to learn about poetry and our social enterprise collaboration supports entrepreneurs and artisans in rural Rwanda. 

 This box is targeted for families and groups with kids ages 2-5ish but activities can be adjusted to kids ages up to 10 years old! Please use your creativity and share your ideas! Don’t forget that some parts of the crafts are small. No activity should be completed without adult supervision

 

BOOK:

POCKETFUL OF POEMS!!

This book is super cool because it introduces your little listeners and readers to poems and haikus! Nikki Grimes, our author, takes you through a whole year of Tiana's adventures. The book has won many awards such as:

Awards
Bank Street College Best Book of the Year
100 Titles for Reading And Sharing
CCBC Choices 2002
2001 Parent's Guide to Children's Media Award
Chicago Parent Best Book

This book usually takes 5-10 minutes to read.

Dive Deeper:

Grownups, reading is a fundamental skill and bonding activity that is an investment in your relationship with your kids. Reading repetitively has been shown to be very beneficial for emerging readers and writers and speakers! Read Pocketful Of Poems over and over and over :)

Conversation Prompts:

• What is Tiana Like?

• What do you have in common with Tiana?
• How are you different?
• What is your favorite poem?
• What would you write a poem about? Why don't you try!!

After your book is well-loved, share this book with a friend! Tell them all you have learned. Maybe even write a note in the cover!

For Older Readers:

Hello all kid readers out there! This sweet book is also fun to practice your reading! Is there a younger kid in your circle you could read to? Little brother or sister in your house? Someone at church or in your community? Maybe you can use Pocketful Of Poems to orally read at a local story time!

Why is Representation Important?

Authors and Illustrators of color are talented, important and deserve the same exposure as white authors. 

#WeNeedDiverseBooks is a very impactful movement that advocates for changes in the publishing industry “to produce and promote literature that reflects and honors the lives of all young people.” Almost 40% of Americans are people of color but only about 7% of children’s books are written by people of color. Children of color need to see themselves in a variety of characters in stories that are authentically their own. White kids need to experience book characters of color in a variety of roles. Characters that represent a variety of backgrounds and cultures are beneficial for everyone and assists in taking steps for greater understanding and acceptance in our society.

KINDNESS ACTIVITY: 

DESIGN AND SHARE TRAVELING PLATES!

Traveling plates don't have a home! They bring treats to friends, families, coworkers, public workers- anyone! Then the recipient enjoys the yummy treats and passes on the plate to the next recipient with another treat. And so on!!

To set the plate: Put the plate in the oven and set the temperature to 350 degrees. Turn the oven off after 30 minutes and let the plates cool inside the oven.

NONPROFIT COLLABORATION:

DIY Candle Making Kits from BEEutiful Rwanda 

THEY ARE COMMITTED TO SUPPORTING BEEKEEPERS BY PURCHASING BEE PRODUCTS AND WORKING WITH ARTISANS. THEY CLOSELY PARTNER WITH THE ENTIRE SUPPLY CHAIN TO BRING ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND SPIRITUAL TRANSFORMATION IN THE AREA. THEY SOURCE AND TRADE ETHICALLY.

WE WERE ABLE TO SHIP THESE DIY CANDLE MAKING KITS TO THE USA WITH THE GENEROUS HUG GRANT AWARDED TO US FROM CHARLOTTE IS CREATIVE AND THROUGH AZIZ LIFE STUDIO.

 

 

BURLAP BAG REUSED/REPURPOSED FROM SUMMIT COFFEE ROASTERY!

Emotional intelligence is one of the most important skills we nurture in our kids. Awareness of others’ needs and recognizing our own excess is a quick and easy way to build empathy. Not to mention, having less toys and “stuff” is beneficial for children’s creativity and caregivers’ mental health.

Your burlap bag from Summit Coffee is a great conversation starter in and of itself! Each bag likely has a stamp of the country from where it has been. Discuss geography with your kids and discuss the similarities and differences in cultures! Where did your bag travel from??

Conversation Prompts:

Next, explain to your kids that not every family has clothes, toys or books they need to have the same opportunities that your family may have. Ask how they would feel if they didn’t have toys or books. Ask them to select one or more toys, books or clothes that they would like to donate. Have them put those items in their bag. If you have already donated items or prefer to purchase new, buy some fresh books, clothes or toys! Take your kids to the donation center of your choice and have them give the bag. Including children in collecting and donating items will teach them a lifelong awareness.