10 Ways to Get Your Kids to Love Reading

Some kids are born readers.  Some aren't.  But, all children can grow to at least like reading if you use some, or all, of these 10 approaches:

1. Embrace technology.  Okay, there is something wonderful about seeing your child curled up with a book rather than some electronic device.  But, an e-reader might entice your reluctant reader to actually sit down and get started.  Plus, there are so many free books out there, including great classics, that your child might actually read more if given the chance to explore what's available.

2. Create a reading hide-out or a cozy spot for your readers. Lure your children into reading by coming up with a spot for reading only; a spot so enchanting or fun, they'll want to read just to be able to enter!  It doesn't have to be anything fancy—drape some blankets over chairs and make a tent.  Fill it with fluffy pillows and a stack of books.  Put a bowl of candy inside with a note that reads: "For every chapter read, please eat one of these." Also, leave a copy of iMOM's book chart and our reading reward chart in their reading corners so they can track their progress.

3. Hook 'em, then reel them in.  One mom I heard about does this to get her kids to read on their own:  She'll start reading aloud and then excuse herself to cook dinner.  The kids are already so interested in the story that they'll take the book themselves and read, to see what happens next.

4. Make the library an adventure.  Gather up the kids and head to the library.  Get them their own library card.  Let them check out on their own.  Tell them they need to check out at least five books.  When you leave, head to a yogurt shop or a park.  Pull out one of the books and dive right into it, reading aloud while they eat their snack or lie on the grass.

5. Start a family reading night or book club.  Make your book club night special and fun.  Snuggle in your bed with the kids or sit by the fire.  Have a chart in their rooms where they can check off the chapters they read so they can be prepared for the next book club night.  

6. Read to reluctant readers.  Even if your child can read on his own, keep reading to him.  This will allow you to gauge what interests him and holds his attention.  It will also allow you to read books that might be too difficult for him, but he still enjoys the story.

7. It's the words that matter. Yes, you want your kids to read quality material, but there's nothing wrong with letting them read magazines, the sports section of the newspaper or other "non-book" material.

8. Be a reading cheerleader.  Kids model our behavior, mom.  Let them see you reading.  Talk about what you're reading.  One mom I know, while reading War and Peace, had fun with her kids by showing them how big the book was.  They became interested in her progress and would ask her what page she was on.  It also gave her the chance to introduce them to a great writer and share bits and pieces of world history.

9. Don't make reading a punishment.  If you have a non-reader, it can be very tempting to use reading as a discipline tool.  "If you hit your sister again, you're going to have to read for 20 minutes!"  But, this will only make your non-reader dread opening a book even more.

10. Find their love.  What is your child interested in?  What captivates them or keeps their attention?  Try different genres—adventure, non-fiction, biographies—until you hit upon the one that will make your child want to read. 

*Taken from iMom....written by Lauren Dungy (Speaker at MOPS Convention 2011!)

15 Who Knew? Uses for Your Microwave (from Yahoo)

 

More than a popcorn popper, this versatile appliance was underutilized―until now. By Melissa Clark and Lindsay Funston

 

1. Disinfect and Deodorize Sponges
Don't throw out the kitchen sponge that smells like last night's salmon. Soak it in water spiked with white vinegar or lemon juice, then heat it on high for 1 minute. (Use an oven mitt to remove it.) This will also disinfect any sponges you used to wipe up the juices from a raw chicken.






2. Cook an Entire Dinner in Under 10 Minutes
Not just the TV variety. We mean braised salmon with green beans and mashed potatoes. Use the microwave for any recipe that calls for braising, poaching, or steaming. Just subtract about three-quarters of the cooking time. Remember to stir liquids often to redistribute the heat, and always take the food out a minute or two before it's completely done, since it will continue to cook.

3. Disinfect Plastic Cutting Boards
Wash the board well, rub it with the cut side of a lemon, then heat for 1 minute.


4. Soften Brown SugarKeep the sugar in its plastic packaging, add a few drops of water, and heat on medium for 10 to 20 seconds.

5. Decrystalize Honey
Honey that has solidified can be brought back to liquid life by uncovering the jar and heating on medium power for 30 seconds to 1 minute.


6. Proof Yeast Doughs
Yeast doughs that normally take an hour or more to rise at room temperature can be proofed in the microwave in about 15 minutes. Place the dough in a very large bowl and cover with plastic. Place an 8-ounce cup of water in the back of the microwave with the bowl of dough in the center, and set the power as low as possible (10 percent power). Heat for 3 minutes, then let the dough rest in the microwave for 3 minutes. Heat for 3 minutes longer, then let rest for 6 minutes. The dough will double in bulk.

7. Heat up Health Aids
You use a microwave to reheat your coffee, so why not use it to heat and reheat gel packs for headaches? (Don't do this with a metal-wrapped pack.)


8. Warm Beauty Products
Warming up a hot-oil conditioning pack for your hair takes about 10 to 20 seconds and feels marvelous, as does briefly heating up a moisturizing facial mask. (Stir the mask and test the temperature with your finger before applying to your face.) And if hot wax hardens when you're only halfway up your calf, reheat it in the microwave. It's much less messy than using a double boiler.

9. Roast Garlic
It takes 45 minutes to roast garlic in the oven but less than 8 in the microwave. Slice off the top of the head to reveal all the cloves. Place the head in a small, deep dish, season with salt and pepper, and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of good olive oil. Spoon 2 tablespoons of water into the bottom of the dish, cover it with plastic wrap, and cook at medium power for 7 to 7½ minutes. Let stand for a few minutes before unwrapping.
See More: New Uses for Food
10. Get More Juice From Citrus Fruits
A lemon or lime taken straight from the refrigerator is harder to juice than one left at room temperature or warmed slightly. To get the most juice, microwave citrus fruits for 20 seconds before squeezing.

11. Toast Bread Crumbs, and Coconut
The microwave toasts them in a quarter of the time it takes in a conventional oven. Spread them out on a plate and heat on high for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring every minute. Keep in mind that they will continue to toast for about a minute after removal.


12. Warm Tortillas
Wrap tortillas in a damp paper towel. Microwave on high (power level 10) for 40 seconds to 1 minute.

13. Toast Pine Nuts and Sliced Almonds
Spread nuts on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high (power level 10) in 1-minute intervals, tossing in between, until beginning to turn golden, 4 to 5 minutes.


14. Make Applesauce
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 pound peeled and diced apples (Macintosh, Fuji, or Gala are best) with ¼ cup water, 2 teaspoons sugar, and ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon. Cover and microwave on high (power level 10) until the apples are tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Mash with a fork or potato masher.
 
15. Make Homemade Popcorn
Place ½ cup popcorn kernels in a large microwave-safe bowl with 1 tablespoon olive or canola oil. Cover with a microwave-safe plate and microwave on high (power level 10) until the majority of the kernels have popped, 3 to 5 minute

Back to School: Lunch Box Ideas

Here are a few "back to school" tips on how to build a fun, easy, tasty and nutritious lunch box.  Many of our children are back at the elementary school or just starting preschool for the very first time.    Also, included in this post is a nice downloadable PDF document of cute, loving and fun notes and jokes that you can add to your older children's lunch box.


1. FREEZE: Place a frozen juice box in your kids’ lunch box as it’ll keep the food chilled and will be thawed by lunchtime.

2. Go for VARIETY: Make sandwiches using whole grain tortillas, bagels or pitas.
 
3. WIPES, WIPES: Pack antibacterial wet wipes so your kids can clean their hands before and after eating.

4. SNEAKY VEGGIES: Add grated veggies to sandwiches and wraps for crunch – your kids won’t notice they’re eating something that’s good for them!
 
5. DRESSING It up: Use small resealable bags to pack dressings. Kids can open one corner and simply squeeze onto salad, then discard.

6. Get DIPPING! Pack salsa, hummus, yogurt or salad dressing for your little ones to dunk their sandwich, veggies or fruit into.
 
7. PETITE works better: Make bite-sized and mini versions of regular foods like sandwiches. They work well for small appetites and are more likely to be eaten.

8. BE LOVING: Add a quick note to say good luck on a test or “I love you” – it will brighten your child’s day. Download LunchboxJokes_US_01.pdf and print it.

9. Get ORGANIZED: create you own schedule Monday-Friday of the menu you will prepare for lunch so that you know every morning or the night before what to do for lunch boxes.

10. CONSULT:  check out these sites for other fun and easy to do ideas for lunch boxes: www.familyfun.com and the Lunch Box Builder, and if your family is vegetarian, you may want to visit Vegetarian Lunch Box.


"Lunch boxing" can be an enjoyable activity!

*Taken from The Moms' Buzz, Original source: www.familyfun.com, www.kraftfoods.com.

Produce Tips - Tomatoes

Here are a few quick and easy to remember tips I have found on a website called The Mom's Buzz.   This site is a great resource on a variety of topics, including produce! 

Here are some facts and tips about tomatoes:

• Shelf Life: 4 -7 days
• Storage: store at room temperature away from sunlight.  Never refrigerate!!!
• Tip: for homemade salsas use seeded tomatoes.  Here is how to seed tomatoes. To remover excess of seeds and water, cut in half cross-wise, then hold cut side down and gently squeeze.  Your salsa will have a more intense tomato flavor and will be less watery!