Each
week during this month, I will post a review of a children’s book that I
have read. One of the first books
I vaguely remember is the classic Pat
the Bunny. The tactile aspects of
this delightful book, like the bunny’s soft fur and Daddy’s scratchy face,
definitely made an impression on me.
Maybe this doesn’t make for much of a review, but it indicates to me
that when it comes to babies and toddlers, reading should be an experience that
appeals to all five senses – the sounds of the words that are read, colorful
pictures, various textures, maybe some scratch ‘n sniff features, and even
sturdy pages that can withstand an exploratory bite. Presented with such wonders, children learn
from the beginning that books are their friends.
Most of my early
reading memories are from when I was about five and older, which is just beyond
the age group that the Ferst Foundation for Childhood Literacy focuses on. Even so, I know that my parents made sure I
had books from the time I was born. On
the other hand, I don’t remember my parents ever reading to me. They were always very attentive to my
education in every other way, but this apparent lapse began troubling me more
and more. Finally, when I was a teenager
or maybe a young adult, I asked my mother why she never read to me. She said that I wouldn’t let her! Apparently, I began reading at a very young
age and wanted to do it by myself (imagine that…)
I love to ride my bicycle. In April 2012 I was involved in a serious crash in a bicycle race. A Year of Centuries is a way for me to express my gratitude for my recovery from the crash. In 2013 I will ride one century (100 miles in a single ride) each month. Each century will highlight a charitable organization that is particularly meaningful to me. I hope you’ll come along for the ride, supporting these groups and maybe even pedaling a few miles with me! - Betty Jean Jordan
Pages
Charity Logo
Charity of the Month
CHARITY OF THE MONTH - HEIFER INTERNATIONAL
In December I am riding for Heifer International. Founded in 1944, Heifer International works with communities around the world to end hunger and poverty and to care for the Earth. Its approach is more than a handout. Heifer provides animals (e.g., heifers, goats, water buffalos, chickens, rabbits, fish, and bees) and training to impoverished people in over 30 countries. The animals can give milk, meat, or eggs; provide draft power; or form the basis of a small business. Communities make their own decisions about what crops, animals, and market strategies make sense for their everyday conditions and experiences.
Heifer International is based on 12 Cornerstones, such as Sustainability; Genuine Need and Justice; and Gender and Family Focus. Perhaps the best known Cornerstone is Passing on the Gift, in which Heifer recipient families pass on the offspring of their animals to others in need. In this way, whole communities can raise their standard of living.
A donation to Heifer International also can make a wonderful alternative holiday gift. Instead of yet another sweater for Grandma that she really doesn’t need, why not donate a Heifer animal or a share of an animal in her honor? Does your child really need so many new toys? Instead of five new toys, give him/her three new toys and a Heifer flock of chicks. Heifer has honor cards to let your loved ones know of your gift on their behalf.
I have set up a Team Heifer page to support Heifer International through A Year of Centuries. My goal is to raise $500. Please make your donation through https://teamheifer.heifer.org/AYearofCenturies. If you would like more information about Heifer’s work, please visit www.heifer.org. Whether you give to honor a loved one or make a regular donation, thank you for taking steps to transform the world for the better.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment