The Reader's Garden

"To Train Up a Child" authors Michael and Debi Pearl to speak at Duggar family camp

2018-01-31T01:29:00.000-05:00

The Duggar Family of "19 Kids and Counting" and "Counting On" have raised a lot of hackles with their militaristic parenting methods. But the reality TV family is cotton candy compared to "spare the rod" disciplinary gurus Michael and Debi Pearl, who wrote "To Train Up a Child." As the nation reels from the discovery of the 13 tortured Turpin kids, the reality television, the Duggars are again allying themselves with child-beating advocate Pearls whose book has been linked to the deaths of children. It may very well have triggered the Turpins' acts of cruel and unusual punishment. Christians and especially Christian parents should aware what the Pearls really teach as "Biblical" parenting.

Joy-Anna Duggar and Austin Forsyth confuse 'Counting On' fans

2018-01-15T23:21:00.001-05:00

Mrs. Joy-Anna Duggar Forsyth is polarizing folks — again — with her controversial pregnancy. An Instagram update from Joy and Austin Forsyth confused some already baffled fans of the couple's reality TV [VIDEO] show "Counting On." Details of gender, due date, and XL baby bump has folks suspecting that the ex "19 Kids and Counting" celebrity is a lot further along than anyone is admitting. Joy-Anna Duggar and Austin Forsyth polarize 'Counting On' fans over pregnancy

Christmas printables, Thanksgiving holiday worksheets, activities for kids

2017-11-22T18:08:00.001-05:00

Free Christmas and Thanksgiving holiday activities and lesson plans for kids. Christmas printables, Thanksgiving holiday worksheets, activities for kids

Jill Duggar and Derick Dillard ostracized by 'Counting On' Duggar family?

2017-11-07T11:34:00.001-05:00

Have reality TV stars Jill Duggar and Derick Dillard stepped in something? Facebook fans are questioning why the Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar seem to be ignoring them. TLC appears to be distancing from its popular "19 Kids and Counting" celebrities. Has Derick made himself too hot for "Counting On" producers with the transgender war on Twitter and pro-gun posts after the Texas church shooting? Did Dillard's dirty dancing, fake charity scam, and dubious fundraising do him in with the Duggars? Jill Duggar and Derick Dillard ostracized by 'Counting On' Duggar family?

Gwyneth Paltrow diet cookbook recipes get hilariously helpful weight loss review

2017-08-23T23:17:00.001-04:00

So you know how it is with #Celebrities and diets, right? They all brag up weight loss on this or that eating plan. That's great for Hollywood, but what happens when a real person attempts the regimen in real life? A U.K. mum tried #Gwyneth Paltrow's diet recipes cookbook "It's All Easy." The results were hilarious and also helpful. Sally Whittle wrote about her foray in the Mirror and you'll love her refreshing candor. Gwyneth Paltrow diet cookbook recipes get hilariously helpful weight loss review

Mama June looks like Kate Gosselin after weight-loss plastic surgery?

2017-03-18T00:04:00.001-04:00

Who wore it best, Kate Gosselin or Mama June Shannon? That's a question few expected to ever be asked. But since the "Here Comes #Honey Boo Boo" matriarch's massive weight loss and plastic surgery, comparisons are being made between Shannon and her fellow reality TV diva of "#Kate Plus 8." WEtv promises on "From Not to Hot" that Mama June is now a size 4 after weighing 460 pounds. Her makeover includes breast implant, tummy tuck, and skin removal surgeries, and folks swear she looks just like Gosselin. Mama June looks like Kate Gosselin after weight-loss plastic surgery?

Ed Sheeran weight loss surprises more than lewd 'Carpool Karaoke' with James Corden,

2017-01-29T19:49:00.001-05:00

Ed Sheeran says he will do a "Carpool Karaoke" for "The Late, Late Show" with James Corden. But (and this is a really big but) he's bringing some "Big Booty Hoes" to raunch up the sketch. The "Thinking Out Loud" singer is thinking up lewd tweaks to Corden's famous skit. The bigger question however, is how that 56-lb weight loss is going on Sheeran's infamous vodka diet. Ed Sheeran teases crude 'Carpool Karaoke' but 'Big Booty Hoes' aren't the biggest surprise

Lily Collins weight loss shocks in 'To the Bone' comedy on anorexia, eating disorders

2017-01-11T16:23:00.001-05:00

Starlet Lily Collins is looking skeletal these days and folks are wondering why. The already petite actor's shocking weight loss has to do with her role in a film called "To the Bone," a dark comedy about eating disorders. Yes you read that correctly--the movie pokes fun at #anorexia. Yes it sounds insensitive, but hold up judging because the film has a purpose. Writer-director Marti Noxon plays on her real-life experiences to bust myths about eating disorders. "To the Bone," co-starring Keanu Reeves and Kathryn Prescott also highlights a bizarre occupational hazard of acting. Lily Collins weight loss shocks in 'To the Bone' comedy on anorexia, eating disorders

Free educational Thanksgiving holiday crafts, games, activities

2016-11-07T13:18:00.001-05:00

Do you love the holidays but hate to spend money on all that goes with them? Then you will want free printable Thanksgiving, Halloween and Christmas activities. Get decorations, crafts, coloring pages and party games. Kids will love making greeting cards from holiday printables. Get Halloween and Christmas printables too. Pumpkin carving patterns, snowflake templates and more. Oh and don't miss free printable Hanukkah, Diwali, Kwanzaa and Winter Solstice activities too. Free Thanksgiving holiday crafts, games, greeting cards, coloring pages, printables

Teach reading with storytelling: How to read aloud to kids so they love books

2016-06-24T15:59:00.001-04:00

To read aloud to kids, your own or others, is the single most rewarding adult and child activity. Storytelling may never be a recognized talent. There's no "read aloud" Olympic event--but there should be. Storytelling takes skill; there's a way to read to kids so they will listen. Here's how to read to kids so they learn to love books and beg for more! You can even use these storytelling techniques to teach reading and build good reading habits. Teach reading with storytelling: How to read aloud to kids so they love books | Examiner.com

Free printable Brown Bear Brown Bear activities for Children's Book Week

2016-05-04T23:32:00.001-04:00

"Brown Bear, Brown Bear, what do you see?" Thus begins a charming, eponymous children's literature classic by author Bill Martin. Via illustrator Eric Carle's pictures, preschoolers learn about colors, animals. patterns, math and also friendship. Here are free printable games, coloring pages, crafts, worksheets and learning activities from the children's literature classic, along with the companion Martin/Carle book "Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear?" Use these activities to celebrate Children's Book Week 2015--May 4-10. Free printable Brown Bear Brown Bear activities for Children's Book Week | Examiner.com

Multicultural teen fiction: Middle school books, literature around the world | Examiner.com

2016-03-28T16:37:00.001-04:00

Homeschool parents and middle school teachers, want to take a free world tour? March is National Reading Month, so why not read around the world of middle school books. Here is a list of multicultural teen fiction and children's literature around the world, from 20 countries and seven continents. These stories best reflect the flavor of each culture--its people, traditions, religion, region, customs, celebrations and values. These children's literature around the world books include teen fiction, historical fiction, poetry, fairy tales, folklore and mythology. Teachers, be sure to note on a map, the places you visit in this literature unit. Multicultural middle school books are coded for age and grade appropriate level--

Multicultural teen fiction: Middle school books, literature around the world | Examiner.com

Free printable Alice in Wonderland Through the Looking Glass Disney crafts

2016-03-10T17:48:00.001-05:00

In 2010, director Tim Burton created his vision of Disney "Alice in Wonderland" and on Memorial Day, 2016 Tim Burton gives audiences Alice in Wonderland 2 "Through the Looking Glass"--oh frabjuous day! If you can't wait for curiouser and curiouser delights with Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter, Anne Hathoway as the White Queen and Helena Bonham-Carter as the Red Queen, then hold onto your Mad Hatter! Sasha Baron Cohen, Timothy Spall, Rhys Ifans, Andrew Scott (Sherlock) join the Through the Looking Glass cast and Matt Lucas returns as the dynamic duo Tweedledum and Tweedledee. Happily Tim Burton use Alan Rickman (may he rest in peace) as the Blue Caterpillar again in Through the Looking Glass. Free printable Alice in Wonderland Through the Looking Glass Disney crafts | Examiner.com

Free printable Coraline coloring pages: Neil Gaiman Coraline book activities | Examiner.com

2016-02-22T22:19:00.001-05:00

The Neil Gaiman novel "Coraline" may be technically children's literature, but it hits the sweet spot for older readers who love dark, outre fiction. The Tim Burton movie version of Coraline perfectly animates this cartoon horror story. Here are free printable Coraline coloring pages. Some characters in the movie Coraline do not have counterparts in the Coraline book. The enigmatic child Wydie is not part of the original Neil Gaiman story. But Wydie fits perfectly and helps give a clearer perspective on the Other Mother and her sewing supplies of terror. Free printable Coraline coloring pages: Neil Gaiman Coraline book activities | Examiner.com

Free printable Catholic St. Valentine lesson plans, Valentine's Day worksheets

2016-02-11T17:44:00.001-05:00

The story of St. Valentine has nothing to do with flowers and candy or Valentine's Day as we celebrate it on Feb. 14. Except in one way (we'll get to that). It has nothing in common with romance as we know it. But Valentine's story is spiritually romantic. Valentinius was a Roman Christian priest. In those days, this was not popular. In fact, it was downright illegal. Free printable Catholic St. Valentine lesson plans, Valentine's Day worksheets | Examiner.com

Black History Month movies: African Americans in Jim Crow segregation

2016-02-04T16:51:00.001-05:00

The U.S. Census Bureau put out a list of statistics on African Americans for Black History Month in February reported PR Newswire Jan. 21. Stats are helpful understanding history. But they don't tell the whole story. We need literature and films to guide. Here are book-based movies for Black History Month. This list covers early 20th century black America was ruled by Jim Crow. Slavery might have been outlawed but discrimination and persecution flourished, even in the "free, enlightened" north. Black History Month movies: African Americans in Jim Crow segregation | Examiner.com

Free printable Chinese New Year, Spring Festival, Lantern Festival lesson plans | Examiner.com

2016-01-28T17:57:00.001-05:00

China's lunar calendar system is centuries older than the Gregorian calendar. The Chinese New Year begins in on February 8, 2016. The beginning date for Chinese New Year varies from late January to mid February on the western calendar. 2016 celebrates Chinese New Year of the Monkey (or KangXi). Each of the 12 years in the Chinese zodiac is represented by a different animal and the calendar repeats every 12 years. It was Chinese New Year of the Monkey in 2004 and will be again in 2028. CNY kicks off the Spring Festival in China and ends with the Lantern Festival, a quaint, charming holiday. Free printable Chinese New Year, Spring Festival, Lantern Festival lesson plans | Examiner.com

Chinese New Year of the Monkey books for kids, children's literature from China

2016-01-07T22:33:00.001-05:00

Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival celebrates the culture of the Orient. It begins Feb. 9 in 2016 and culminates with a Lantern Festival. What better way to explore Chinese culture in your classroom than with literature? Here is a list of children's books for pre-K to second graders from China. Some books are specifically Chinese stories and others are Japanese Buddhist stories. Chinese New Year encompasses traditional animals of the zodiac so many kids' books in this list are animal-themed. It's CNY Year of the Monkey in 2016. Chinese New Year of the Goat books for kids, children's literature from China | Examiner.com

Free printable Kwanzaa activities for kids, winter holiday crafts, Africa lesson

2015-12-21T18:17:00.001-05:00

Kwanzaa is a uniquely African-American winter holiday which begins on December 26 and is celebrated for seven days, ending on Jan. 1. Kwanzaa is observed by lighting candles, making offerings and saying prayers. Here are free printable Kwanzaa activities for kids, coloring pages, winter holiday crafts, games, lesson plans and worksheets. Free printable Kwanzaa activities for kids, winter holiday crafts, Africa lesson | Examiner.com

Christmas around the world children's literature countdown: holiday kids books

2015-12-14T18:24:00.001-05:00

Christmas around the world is celebrated different ways. Each culture observes Christmas with unique traditions. What better way to explore Christmas around the world than with a children's literature countdown? Read down to Christmas and around the world with this holiday stories and kids' books. that with books? Advent--the four week season of preparation before Christmas--is a good time for an around the world children's literature journey. Here are thirty kids books on Christmas around the world. Christmas around the world children's literature countdown: holiday kids books | Examiner.com

Free printable Stone Soup worksheets, games, puzzles, crafts, activities | Examiner.com

2015-11-16T16:33:00.001-05:00

The legend of "Stone Soup" is timeless. It's been retold many times, notably by Marcia Brown, Ann McGovern and Jon J. Muth. Stone Soup is sacred text in preschool and elementary classrooms. Here are free printable Stone Soup lesson plans, perfect for Read Across America and National Reading Month in March.Free printable Stone Soup worksheets, games, puzzles, crafts, activities | Examiner.com

Free printable Day of the Dead or Dia de Los Muertos coloring pages | Examiner.com

2015-10-17T22:15:00.001-04:00

Dia de los Muertos is the Mexican Day of the Dead celebration. The Latino holiday is near Halloween, but is celebrated on November 1 and 2. Dia de los Muertos is similar to Halloween in that participants dress in skeleton and death-themed costumes. But the resemblance ends there. Day of the Dead is a Catholic ethno-religious festival that celebrates life after death in heaven. Here are free printable Dia de los Muertos coloring pages and skull themed patterns and crafts.Free printable Day of the Dead or Dia de Los Muertos coloring pages | Examiner.com

Free printable animal coloring pages for St. Francis of Assisi blessing of pets | Examiner.com

2015-10-07T22:47:00.001-04:00

On October 4 the Catholic Church celebrates the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi. Among other things under his patronage, St. Francis is the patron saint of animals. On his feast day, some Catholic churches and schools observe a charming little rite known as the blessing of pets. Folks bring their beloved pets to mass to be prayed over. It's an event that young and old enjoy. In the spirit of the good saint, here are free printable animals coloring pages and free printable St. Francis activities for children to celebrate! If you know of a Catholic church that blesses pets, why not bring your kids and animals--you'll all enjoy it! Free printable animal coloring pages for St. Francis of Assisi blessing of pets | Examiner.com

Mom's Facebook post to boy who played with her disabled son misinterpreted - Grand Rapids News | Examiner.com

2015-08-18T20:50:00.001-04:00

With so many people turning to social media to start drama, it's refreshing to see someone leveraging cyberspace to start happy! A mom's Facebook post to the boy who played with her disabled son went viral. Katie Leigh Myers posted a picture of the two playing and the cute photo sparked the smile felt round the web, reported Good Morning America on August 17.Mom's Facebook post to boy who played with her disabled son misinterpreted - Grand Rapids News | Examiner.com

Memorial Day travel: Parents survival tips for holiday travel with kids - Grand Rapids Holidays | Examiner.com

2015-05-23T15:38:00.001-04:00

It's the Memorial Day weekend and your family is heading out for much needed vacation. But wait--traveling with kids--that sounds like more hassle than holiday. So remember these parent survival tools when traveling by car with children Memorial Day travel: Parents survival tips for holiday travel with kids - Grand Rapids Holidays | Examiner.com