Hello Friends,
During these troubling times, I wish you and all your family and friends good health. Please stay safe as we all weather the coronavirus. We are all in this together!
It's vital that we are ready and able to talk to our children about the coronavirus. Please read our feature article for some tips and strategies, "How to Talk to Your Children About the Coronavirus."
For a pleasant distraction, please enjoy our bonus article for the month, "Did You Know: The Origins of the Easter Bunny."
Whatever your educational needs, Foundation for Learning is ready to assist you with caring, one-on-one, individualized tutoring, and ISEE/SSAT test prep.
Don't hesitate to give us a call at 973-425-1774 or send an email to betty.foundationforlearning@gmail.com for a free consultation.
Best regards,
Betty
How to Talk to Your Children About the Coronavirus
You’ve probably noticed that news of the novel coronavirus is everywhere, impossible to escape, it’s spreading across all social media, and community precautions are becoming more and more a part of our daily living. It’s worrisome for us adults and no matter how much we think we’re shielding our children, they’re aware of our societal anxiety as well. It’s important that we talk to our children, address their worries, and answer any questions they may have. But what is the right way to do this?
Provide just enough information. Work to find the balance by answering questions without creating even more anxiety. Ask what your child knows so far, in case you need to correct any misinformation that they may have. Listen to the questions that they’re asking and make sure to avoid providing too much information. Children and elaborate imaginations and will create alarming stories in their minds if we don’t talk to them or enough. Help them to understand what the virus is and what you as a family can do about it. Need more information yourself? Look to reliable sources such as the Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization. Both have very useful websites fill of answers.
Talk to them about practicing healthy behaviors such as sneezing or coughing into tissues or into their elbow. Washing their hands after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing their noses. Keeping their hands away from their mouth, eyes, and nose. Basic hygiene at all times, but even more important right now. It’s also important to encourage them to keep doing what they love to do and not let worries about the virus get the better of them.
Do your best to limit their exposure to news about the virus and its impact on the community, state, and world. Although staying informed is helpful, news stories, the wording, and repetition can be really scary, so do your news gathering independently so that your children do not hear the stories.
Set a good example and model calmness. Even though you’re concerned, your children will look to you and if they see that you’re anxious and afraid then they will be too. Additionally, keep an eye out for reassurance seeking behavior. It’s natural for children to ask questions, and they should. Sometimes though, when a child is struggling with anxiety, they may repeatedly ask the same or similar questions. If you see this, then try to find ways to reassure them and work to find distracting, familiar activities for them to focus on instead. But always be there for them and pay attention when your attention is needed.
It’s good to remember and to reassure your child, that everyone is working hard to manage the virus and keep everyone safe. By modeling the behavior that you want to see in your own family, you all can continue to do what you love while practicing healthy behaviors.
Did You Know: The Origins of the Easter Bunny
Every year, children look forward to the return of Peter Cottontail, that fluffy woodland critter that delivers baskets of treats and colorful eggs for them to find, but have you ever wondered about this Easter tradition and this popular creature?
There’s actually a lot of history behind this beloved symbol, in both Christian and pagan traditions, including why he’s associated with colorful eggs. Who knew!
Why a bunny? Well, he was first introduced in the 1700s in Pennsylvania, when German immigrants brought their tradition of an egg-laying hare named Osterhase. Not unlike Santa Claus, the rabbit would bring colorful eggs as gifts to good little children. In preparation, expectant children would make nests in which the bunny could leave the eggs, and many would also leave carrots for him to munch on during his journey.
Why does the bunny bring eggs when rabbits are actually mammals? Well, eggs, as well as rabbits, have long been an ancient symbol representing fertility, rebirth, new life, and all things associated with spring.
It’s interesting to note that around the world, it’s not always a bunny that brings Easter eggs. In Switzerland it’s the Easter Cuckoo Bird, in other parts of Europe there’s the Easter Rooster and the Easter Fox, and in Australia they anticipate the annual arrival of the Easter Bilby, which is an endangered marsupial that’s native to that country.
But here in the USA we are looking forward to the arrival of the Easter Bunny, so on April 12th we’ll be munching on chocolate bunnies and other treats. Happy Easter!
Letter from Betty for March 2020
Hello Friends,
Are you the parent of a high school student? If so, you’re already realizing that these upper grades bring with them a new level of stress that your child hasn’t had to deal with before. These stresses can be even more pronounced for students who learn and think differently than their peers, causing them to experience more anxiety and worries than their classmates. Find out in our feature article for March, "Overcoming High School Stress" how you can help your child manage the stresses of high school years.
Did your parents ever take you on a scenic day trip to places like New Hope, PA where an old fashioned candy store tempted children and adults alike with treats of rock candy? If so, you can recreate some of that sweet magic in your own home and engage in a fascinating week-long science experiment at the same time! Give it a try with the simple instructions in our bonus article for March, "You Can Do It - Homemade Rock Candy."
Whatever your educational needs, Foundation for Learning is ready to assist you with caring, one-on-one, individualized tutoring, and ISEE/SSAT test prep.
Don't hesitate to give us a call at 973-425-1774 or send an email to betty.foundationforlearning@gmail.com for a free consultation.
Best regards,
Betty
March 2020 Test Schedule
Mark your calendar for the latest test dates.
Overcoming High School Stress
High school students are facing tougher academic schedules and more responsibilities than they did in middle school, and those demands increase each new year until graduation. As a parent, it is important to remind your child of the support that he has both at home and within the school administration. Encourage him to self-advocate and speak up if he needs something or if he is in a situation where intervention may be needed.
Your child may also be experiencing some level of fear that he’ll fail, whether it’s academically, athletically, artistically, or socially. This is especially pronounced in students who’ve struggled in school previously and may have a history of setbacks.
The social pressures parents most likely experienced in high school are far different than those today's teenagers face. Because of social media, they may be feeling pressure to fit in, to be popular, and to have close friends. Social media doesn’t help when it comes to pointing out differences among classmates' social lives. Whether real or not, it’s out there for all to see, and your teen may feel like he’s missing out. It's important to encourage your teen’s independence, talk to him and help him to make good choices when it comes to new and possibly risky situations. Also, help him to understand that what he sees on a friend’s Facebook, Instagram, or other platform, does not represent the full or true story. Those classmates are most likely posting the "good stuff" exaggerated at that, and that’s not reality. You can also dive into the wealth of articles online regarding dating hurdles and how to navigate high school cliques. If you find something especially helpful, share the link with your teen.
Your child most likely has concerns about his future also. There are college decisions, career path questions and expectations, along with the stress of facing the transition into life after high school. It is important that you talk to your teen about the different paths he can take after graduation and about career options. Also, encourage him to meet with his guidance counselor to discuss his options. Reassure him that having questions, feeling unsure, and thinking about his future is completely normal. There are many ways to thrive in this life. Help him to explore those avenues.
Your child may also have concerns about college. Just thinking about the options, the process of the college search, and the transition to a life away from home is stressful for most students. As a parent, it is important to research and visit a variety of schools and talk about how they differ. Seek guidance from a tutor to prepare for the college entrance exams, and if needed, look into college testing accommodations that may be available. Give your teen an all-important sense of control by encouraging him to take the lead in these explorations and decisions. Be his soft place to land if and when anxieties rear up, and reassure him that the worry he is feeling is not only completely normal but also common among their peers.
A few more suggestions for parents:
Keep the conversation going. Ask your teen if you are pushing too hard, and really listen to his response. Keep the line of communication open so he feels assured that he can turn to you as needed.
Again, encourage him to take the lead whenever possible. Yes, he'll need guidance from you, but empower him and show him that you trust his decision making skills. Let him choose activities for himself, let him explore college and career options that you might not have considered. Stepping back during this process can help to buffer anxiety and foster self-confidence.
Finally, work to counterbalance this stressful time and competitive culture by encouraging play. Good, unstructured play, following passions, and healthy downtime will go a long way towards helping your teen to de-stress. It’s good too, to take advantage of this opportunity to organize some family time. Make some moments, make some memories. Those times are valuable and will carry him a long way.
You Can Do It: Homemade Rock Candy
You can make rock candy at home with this easy rock candy recipe, a delicious STEM activity that combines science and a sweet treat.
Ingredients
12 6-inch Wooden Skewers
10 cups Granulated Sugar
4 cups Warm Water
Food Coloring, if desired
¼ teaspoon Candy Flavoring, if desired
6 Quart-Sized Mason Jars
12 Clothespins
Instructions
Soak sticks briefly in water and roll in sugar to coat. Allow to dry completely.
Add warm water to a large saucepan. Stir in sugar until no more will dissolve.
Place the saucepan on the stove, and bring to a low boil over medium heat. Add remaining sugar and any additional sugar as needed until you reach a fully saturated solution and no more sugar will dissolve. Allow to cool for 20-30 minutes.
Carefully pour the mixture into the mason jars and add food coloring and/or candy flavoring as desired.
Add two sugared sticks to each jar, making sure that the sticks don't touch the jar or each other. Use clothespins to hold the sticks in place as needed.
Place the jars in a warm and undisturbed location. Wait for 5-10 days until crystals are fully formed. Remove the sticks from the jar and enjoy.
Letter from Betty for February 2020
Hello Friends,
In January, we curated a list of Caldecott award winners you might choose from when looking for great books for you children to read during these long winter months. For February we have another list for you, this time notable Newberry award winners. Enjoy our feature article, "Notable Newberry Award Winners." Head to your local library or bookstore, and stock up!
And why not defy the winter season and let the sun shine in? Enjoy an afternoon of fun with the whole family. Check out our bonus article for February, "You Can Do It: Valentine Heart Watercolor Suncatchers." Pass me the yellow, that's my favorite color. Let's get painting!
Whatever your educational needs, Foundation for Learning is ready to assist you with caring, one-on-one, individualized tutoring, and ISEE/SSAT test prep.
Don't hesitate to give us a call at 973-425-1774 or send an email to betty.foundationforlearning@gmail.com for a free consultation.
Best regards,
Betty
February 2020 Test Schedule
Mark your calendar for the latest test dates.
Notable Newberry Award Winning Books
Here is our list of 10 notable Newberry award-winning books for Elementary and Middle School ages. Each is a treasure in its own right. Enjoy!
1.Last Stop on Market Streetby Matt de la Pena(grades K-2)
Every Sunday after church, CJ and his grandma ride the bus across town. But today, CJ wonders why they don't own a car like his friend Colby. Why doesn’t he have an iPod like the boys on the bus? How come they always have to get off in the dirty part of town? Each question is met with an encouraging answer from grandma, who helps him see the beauty—and fun—in their routine and the world around them. This energetic ride through a bustling city highlights the wonderful perspective only grandparent and grandchild can share.
2. The Book of Boyby Catherine Gilbert Murdock(grades 3-7)
Boy has always been relegated to the outskirts of his small village. With a hump on his back, a mysterious past, and a tendency to talk to animals, he is often mocked by others in his town—until the arrival of a shadowy pilgrim named Secondus. Impressed with Boy’s climbing and jumping abilities, Secondus engages Boy as his servant, pulling him into an action-packed and suspenseful expedition across Europe to gather seven precious relics of Saint Peter.
Boy quickly realizes this journey is not an innocent one. They are stealing the relics and accumulating dangerous enemies in the process. But Boy is determined to see this pilgrimage through until the end—for what if St. Peter has the power to make him the same as the other boys?
3. Hello, Universeby Erin Entrada Kelly(grades 3-7)
Told from four intertwining points of view—two boys and two girls—the novel celebrates bravery, being different, and finding your inner hero.
In one day, four lives weave together in unexpected ways. Virgil Salinas is shy and kindhearted and feels out of place in his crazy-about-sports family. Valencia Somerset, who is deaf, is smart, brave, and secretly lonely, and she loves everything about nature. Kaori Tanaka is a self-proclaimed psychic, whose little sister, Gen, is always following her around. And Chet Bullens wishes the weird kids would just stop being so different so he can concentrate on basketball.
They aren’t friends, at least not until Chet pulls a prank that traps Virgil and his pet guinea pig at the bottom of a well. This disaster leads Kaori, Gen, and Valencia on an epic quest to find missing Virgil. Through luck, smarts, bravery, and a little help from the universe, a rescue is performed, a bully is put in his place, and friendship blooms.
4. The One and Only Ivanby Katherine Applegate (grades 3-7)
This unforgettable novel from renowned author Katherine Applegate celebrates the transformative power of unexpected friendship. Inspired by the true story of a captive gorilla known as Ivan, this illustrated book is told from the point of view of Ivan himself.
Having spent twenty-seven years behind the glass walls of his enclosure in a shopping mall, Ivan has grown accustomed to humans watching him. He hardly ever thinks about his life in the jungle. Instead, Ivan occupies himself with television, his friends Stella and Bob, and painting. But when he meets Ruby, a baby elephant taken from the wild, he is forced to see their home, and his art, through new eyes.
In the tradition of timeless stories like Charlotte's Web and Stuart Little, Katherine Applegate blends humor and poignancy to create an unforgettable story of friendship, art, and hope.
5. Merci Suarez Changes Gearsby Meg Medina(grades 4-7)
Merci Suarez knew that sixth grade would be different, but she had no idea just how different. For starters, Merci has never been like the other kids at her private school in Florida, because she and her older brother, Roli, are scholarship students. They don’t have a big house or a fancy boat, and they have to do extra community service to make up for their free tuition. So when bossy Edna Santos sets her sights on the new boy who happens to be Merci’s school-assigned Sunshine Buddy, Merci becomes the target of Edna’s jealousy. Things aren't going well at home, either: Merci’s grandfather and most trusted ally, Lolo, has been acting strangely lately — forgetting important things, falling from his bike, and getting angry over nothing. No one in her family will tell Merci what's going on, so she’s left to her own worries, while also feeling on her own at school.
6. Feathersby Jacqueline Woodson(grades 4-7)
“Hope is the thing with feathers” starts the poem Frannie is reading in school. Frannie hasn’t thought much about hope. There are so many other things to think about. Each day, her friend Samantha seems a bit more “holy.” There is a new boy in class everyone is calling the Jesus Boy. And although the new boy looks like a white kid, he says he’s not white. Who is he?
During a winter full of surprises, good and bad, Frannie starts seeing a lot of things in a new light—her brother Sean’s deafness, her mother’s fear, the class bully’s anger, her best friend’s faith and her own desire for “the thing with feathers.”
Jacqueline Woodson once again takes readers on a journey into a young girl’s heart and reveals the pain and the joy of learning to look beneath the surface.
7. The Night Diaryby Veera Hiranandani (grades 4– 8)
It's 1947, and India, newly independent of British rule, has been separated into two countries: Pakistan and India. The divide has created much tension between Hindus and Muslims, and hundreds of thousands are killed crossing borders. Half-Muslim, half-Hindu twelve-year-old Nisha doesn't know where she belongs, or what her country is anymore. When Papa decides it's too dangerous to stay in what is now Pakistan, Nisha and her family become refugees and embark first by train but later on foot to reach her new home. The journey is long, difficult, and dangerous, and after losing her mother as a baby, Nisha can't imagine losing her homeland, too. But even if her country has been ripped apart, Nisha still believes in the possibility of putting herself back together. Told through Nisha's letters to her mother, The Night Diary is a heartfelt story of one girl's search for home, for her own identity...and for a hopeful future.
8. The Girl Who Drank the Moonby Kelly Barnhill(grades 4-9)
Every year, the people of the Protectorate leave a baby as an offering to the witch who lives in the forest. They hope this sacrifice will keep her from terrorizing their town. But the witch in the Forest, Xan, is kind. She shares her home with a wise Swamp Monster and a Perfectly Tiny Dragon. Xan rescues the children and delivers them to welcoming families on the other side of the forest, nourishing the babies with starlight on the journey. One year, Xan accidentally feeds a baby moonlight instead of starlight, filling the ordinary child with extraordinary magic. Xan decides she must raise this girl, whom she calls Luna, as her own. As Luna’s thirteenth birthday approaches, her magic begins to emerge—with dangerous consequences. Meanwhile, a young man from the Protectorate is determined to free his people by killing the witch. Deadly birds with uncertain intentions flock nearby. A volcano, quiet for centuries, rumbles just beneath the earth’s surface. And the woman with the Tiger’s heart is on the prowl . . .
9. Moon over Manifestby Clare Vanderpool(grades 5-8)
Abilene Tucker feels abandoned. Her father has put her on a train, sending her off to live with an old friend for the summer while he works a railroad job. Armed only with a few possessions and her list of universals, Abilene jumps off the train in Manifest, Kansas, aiming to learn about the boy her father once was.
Having heard stories about Manifest, Abilene is disappointed to find that it’s just a dried-up, worn-out old town. But her disappointment quickly turns to excitement when she discovers a hidden cigar box full of mementos, including some old letters that mention a spy known as the Rattler. These mysterious letters send Abilene and her new friends, Lettie and Ruthanne, on an honest-to-goodness spy hunt, even though they are warned to “Leave Well Enough Alone.”
Abilene throws all caution aside when she heads down the mysterious Path to Perdition to pay a debt to the reclusive Miss Sadie, a diviner who only tells stories from the past. It seems that Manifest’s history is full of colorful and shadowy characters—and long-held secrets. The more Abilene hears, the more determined she is to learn just what role her father played in that history. And as Manifest’s secrets are laid bare one by one, Abilene begins to weave her own story into the fabric of the town.
10. Paperboyby Vince Vawter(grades 5 and up)
Little Man throws the meanest fastball in town. But talking is a whole different ball game. He can barely say a word without stuttering—not even his own name. So when he takes over his best friend’s paper route for the month of July, he’s not exactly looking forward to interacting with the customers. But it’s the neighborhood junkman, a bully and thief, who stirs up real trouble in Little Man’s life.
You Can Do It: Valentine Heart Watercolor Suncatcher
Here is a great craft activity for the whole family in this month of Valentine's Day: paper heart doilies painted in a choice of rainbow colors, strung to make a beautiful suncatcher in your window!
Materials needed:
You’ll need watercolor paints, paintbrushes, heart-shaped doilies (available in craft stores), yarn, and tape.
Set up for painting on a tray or plate, and provide a cup of water and a paper towel for rinsing the brush.
Paint The Hearts using a variety of colors and splashes.
Set the hearts aside to dry. The paper is thin so it will dry very quickly.
String Hearts into a garland using a long strand of the yarn. Weave the yarn through a hole at the top and again at the bottom of the heart creating a long vertical line of beautiful painted hearts. All the holes in the doily make it super easy to do this step.
Tape or tie them in a window, and watch the sun shine through!
Letter from Betty for January 2020
Hello Friends,
Happy New Year and welcome to 2020!
Great books should stand the test of time. We have a fascinating collection of great award-winning illustrated children's books for you to look over, and we are going back in time a bit. There is one book each from the '50s, '60s, '70s, '80s, '90s, "aughts" and "teens"! Rediscover some good reads you might have missed in our feature article for this month, "Do You Know These Caldecott Winners? You Should!"
And if a trip through time just whets your appetite for adventure, how about a trip around the world? Our bonus article this month will transport you to some far-flung locations, each with their own tasty customs. Enjoy "New Year's Food Traditions from Around the World."
Whatever your educational needs, Foundation for Learning is ready to assist you with caring, one-on-one, individualized tutoring, and ISEE/SSAT test prep.
Don't hesitate to give us a call at 973-425-1774 or send an email to betty.foundationforlearning@gmail.com for a free consultation.
Best regards,
Betty
January 2020 Test Schedule
Mark your calendar for the latest test dates.
Do You Know These Caldecott Winners? You Should!
While doing research for our annual article on book recommendations, we took a look at Caldecott award winners, Newberry winners, and various other great sources. What really caught our attention was the list of past Caldecott winners. Some remain famous and are familiar to us all, such as The Little House, Frog Went A-Courtin’, Madeline, and Where the Wild Things Are, but we uncovered some treasures, long forgotten and we’re pleased to introduce you to these past winners.
What exactly is the Caldecott Award? The Randolph Caldecott Medal annually recognizes the preceding year's "most distinguished American picture book for children", beginning with 1937 publications. It is awarded to the illustrator by the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association.
1.The Egg Tree, Katherine Milhous, winner 1951
When Katy discovers her grandmother's old hand-painted Easter eggs in the attic, she inspires the renewal of a special tradition: the Easter egg tree! This story, written half a century ago, will charm today's readers every bit as much as it did their parents and grandparents. Influenced by Pennsylvania Dutch folk art and tradition, Katherine Milhous creates a lovely tale that will leave readers eager to break out paint, dye, and brushes to trim their own Easter egg tree. Muted hues of blue, brown, green, orange, and yellow are a welcome respite from the vibrancy of contemporary illustrations, and create their own gentle radiance. Age-old designs such as the Bright and Morning Star, the Horn-blowing Rooster, the Cooing Dove, and the Pomegranate decorate the borders and eggs, providing a sense of deep-rooted history and tradition.
2. Sam, Bangs & Moonshine, Evaline Ness, winner 1967
Samantha (known as Sam) is a fisherman's daughter who dreams rich and lovely dreams- moonshine, her father calls them. Little Samantha tells everyone her mother is a mermaid because she doesn’t want to be a girl whose mother passed away. But when her tall stories bring big trouble to her friend Thomas and her cat Bangs, Sam learns that she has to distinguish between moonshine and reality. Sam, Bangs & Moonshineis part simple picture book, part heart-breaking coming of age story, all with accompanying distinguished illustrations.
3. Duffy and the Devil, Harve and Margot Zemach, winner 1974
Duffy and the Devilwas a popular play in Cornwall in the nineteenth century, performed at the Christmas season by groups of young people who went from house to house. The language spoken by the Christmas players was a rich mixture of local English dialect and Old Cornish (similar to Welsh and Gaelic), and something of this flavor has been preserved in Harve Zemach's retelling. Margot Zemach's pen-and-wash illustrations are a perfect accompaniment.
Duffy and the Devilis a slight variation on the story of Rumpelstiltskin with some mischievous differences and additional humor. Rather than being a young girl being in a precarious situation by her dishonest father, this story features a young maid who herself lies, not about being able to do the miraculous, but rather about the expected duty of sewing clothes. She makes her own deal with the Devil, and though the ending is nearly the same, there’s a clever twist that will bring a smile to the reader’s face. This story is fun, and lets you enjoy an old story in a new way.
4. Shadow, Marcia Brown, winner 1983
Haunting drawings and an eerie poem make up this book, translated and illustrated by Marcia Brown, whose work you may remember in the classics Stone Soup, Dick Whittington and His Cat, and Once Upon a Mouse. The “shadow” in this story is not necessarily the natural shadow cast by light that you might expect. Instead, it’s a memory and a ghost of former self that attaches itself and slips back and forth into existence during the life and experiences of a person. Deeply rooted in the tribal culture of Africa, the shadow is a frightening and spiritual presence, beautifully described.
5. Golem, David Wisniewski, winner 1997
A city is under attack by libel, violence, and anti-semitism and a desperate rabbi heads into the wilderness to dig up clay and create a giant to protect his people. This is just the beginning of this larger-than-life tale of the lengths a leader might go to keep his people out of danger. As the Golem—the giant brought to life—comes to terms with his existence, something larger than the fate of the people is at stake. Retold from traditional sources and accompanied by David Wisniewski's unique cut-paper illustrations, Golemis a dramatic tale of supernatural forces invoked to save an oppressed people. It also offers a thought-provoking look at the consequences of unleashing power beyond human control.
6. My Friend Rabbit, Eric Rohmann, winner 2003
This book is completely delightful. My Friend Rabbitis an affectionate story from the point of view of someone who loves his friend. It’s easy to read, and the illustrations are funny and elaborate. The message is a good one: that our friends are not perfect, but they are valuable. My Friend Rabbit is a great little book for the very young, and the young at heart, with a solid message about accepting friends as they are.
7. This is Not My Hat, Jon Klassen, winner 2013
Not his hat? At least he’s honest, even if he is a little thief. Jon Klassen first surprised readers with his runaway best seller, I Want My Hat Back, and his follow-up, This Is Not My Hatis an inside out version that is even more fun. The action takes place underwater with much of the story told through the expressive illustrations of sea creatures. From the little fish who steals a bowler hat to the crab who sells him out with eyeballs pointing the way, there are lots of laughs along with lessons. This time Klassen created an ambiguous ending that invites lively conversation about the possible outcomes and ultimately leaves it up to the child to decide the little fish's fate with every reading.
So what book is the award winner for 2019?
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That would be Hello Lighthouse, illustrated and written by Sophie Blackall. This sweet book transports readers to the seaside. Watch the days and seasons pass as the wind blows, the fog rolls in, and icebergs drift by. Outside, there is water all around. Inside, the daily life of a lighthouse keeper and his family unfolds as the keeper boils water for tea, lights the lamp's wick, and writes every detail in his logbook. Step back in time and through the door of this iconic lighthouse into a cozy dollhouse-like interior with the extraordinary award-winning artist Sophie Blackall.
New Year's Food Traditions Around the World
Here are some New Year’s food traditions from around the world:
American South: Hoppin’ Johnwith rice, black-eyed peas, collards or other cooked greens, and cornbread. A recipe for Hoppin’ John appears as early as 1847 in “The Carolina Housewife” cookbook, but traces its roots to Africa and the West Indies.
American North: Seafood chowder, oyster stew, or sauerkraut and pork. Symbolizing abundance and good luck, these traditional foods are often served, though “football food” is commonly included in most households in recent years.
Spain: 12 grapes. At the stroke of midnight, one grape is eaten for every toll of the clock bell. Why? It’s said that the custom began at the turn of the 20th century, thought up by grape producers in the southern part of the country but now spread throughout many Spanish-speaking nations.
Mexico: Tamales, a corn dough stuffed with meat, cheese, and other additions, wrapped in a corn husk. Many families gather together to make hundreds of the little packets to hand out to friends, family, and neighbors.
Netherlands: Oliebollen, doughnut-like deep-fried balls, studded with currants and dusted with powdered sugar. Temporary shacks or trailers pop up all over Amsterdam on this holiday to sell this delicious treat.
Austria and Germany: Marzipanschwein(fresh marzipan made in the shape of little pigs). In both countries, revelers drink a red wine punch with cinnamon and spices, have pork for dinner, and decorate their tables with these little treats. They are also commonly traded gifts, and in Vienna, bakery shelves are filled with pig-shaped truffles, marzipan, chocolate, and other sweets.
Japan: Soba noodles. The practice of eating these long, buckwheat noodles dates back to the 17th century, with the long noodles symbolizing longevity and prosperity. Another custom called mochitsuki, calls friends and family together to pound mochi rice cakes, wash, soak, steam, pound, and then form the dough into small buns that are eaten for dessert.
Various countries: King cake. In France it’s called Galette des Rois, in Greece, Vasilopita. The Mexicans call it Rosca de Reyes and in Bularia, Banitsa. Most cakes are eaten at midnight on New Year’s Eve, though some will begin eating the cake on Christmas and continue until Epiphany on January 6. Hidden in the cake is a gold coin or figure, which symbolized a prosperous year for whomever finds it in their slice.
Italy: Cotechino con Lenticchie, a pairing of sausage and lentils or a stew featuring these two ingredients, which represent money and good fortune. This special meal ends with chiacchiere, which are fried dough balls that are rolled in honey and powdered sugar, and enjoyed with glasses of prosecco.
Poland and Scandinavia: Pickled herring. Because of their silver coloring, pickled herring is eaten at midnight to bring a year of prosperity and bounty. A special dish called Sledzie Marynowane, is made by soaking whole salt herrings in water for 24 hours, and then layering them in a jar with onion, allspice, sugar, and white vinegar.
Denmark and Norway: Kransekage, a traditional ring cake composed of stacked, concentric rings. The cake is made using marzipan, and often has a bottle of wine in the center, and it decorated with ornaments, flags, and poppers/crackers.
What will you be eating to ring in the new year?
Letter from Betty for December 2019
Hello Friends,
Merry Christmas and happy holidays to you and your family from Foundation for Learning!
They say "good music makes everything better" and apparently the same goes for even the attempt to make good music. If your student is signed up for private or school music lessons, then you can confirm the wisdom of that choice by reading our feature article for December, "New Study: Music Students Do Better in Science, Math, and English."
In the pleasant afterglow of Thanksgiving, and in anticipation of any additional holiday baking you might be inspired to do in the coming weeks, we bring you a timely bonus article this month with a tasty recipe included, "You Can Do It: Sweet Potato Facts / Sweet Potato Pie."
Whatever your educational needs, Foundation for Learning is ready to assist you with caring, one-on-one, individualized tutoring, and ISEE/SSAT test prep.
Don't hesitate to give us a call at 973-425-1774 or send an email to betty.foundationforlearning@gmail.com for a free consultation.
Best regards,
Betty
December 2019 Test Schedule
Mark your calendar for the latest test dates.
New Study: Music Students Do Better in Science, Math, and English
Our schools continue to be under pressure to make budget cuts, and the first to feel those cuts are often the music and arts departments. We’ve known for a long time that students who include those subjects in their school schedule will most likely do better and score higher in their other subjects. A brand new study, done by the University of British Columbia in Canada looked at a widely inclusive set of factors over a period of three years, collecting data from over 100,000 students, confirming this in a most definitive and impactful way. Parents and schools need to take note (no pun intended!) and make better budgeting decisions that will benefit our children.
"Comparing the test scores of students who took music classes with those of their peers, the musicians got higher grades in a range of different school subjects. Research like this has been done before, but the current study is much larger, and took into account other factors that may have affected the results. For example, perhaps students who took music classes were encouraged to do so because they already had good grades. Or perhaps students were more or less inclined to study music depending on their socioeconomic background, which could also affect academic scores. The research team corrected for these factors in their data analysis, and they still found a clear effect of music lessons on academic performance."
Furthermore, students who played an instrument in the music program did even better than those who sang, perhaps because playing an instrument is very demanding. The student has to learn to read music notation, develop hand-eye-mind coordination, develop keen listening skills, be willing to engage in team skills while playing in an ensemble, and needs to develop good discipline to practice. That is not to say that those who chose to join a choral group didn’t fare better than their non-music participating classmates, but playing an instrument requires even more involvement than choral studies alone.
What we don’t see in this study, is an explanation for why music makes these students perform better, but the research paper mentions a few possible reasons. Several previous studies link music practice with neurological changes that improves certain brain functions. This could explain how studying music affects memory or planning skills, for example. But the researchers also consider that motivation may also play a role: students who take music lessons see a very tangible result from their practice - they get better - and they likely will apply that to their other work as well. Additionally, the non-competitive team aspect of making music together could strengthen students’ social development, which would also help them in other areas as well.
Whatever the reasons may be, it seems like this is an important factor when making budgeting decisions, and to continue to provide music education in our high schools.
You Can Do It: Sweet Potato Facts / Sweet Potato Pie
Did you know that before George Washington became a general and the first U.S. President, he was a sweet potato farmer? These tasty root vegetables are native to the Americas and are a great addition to your diet. Here are just a few fun facts about the sweet potato and its myriad benefits:
A Sweet Potato is not a Potato … Nor a Yam
• “There is one thing that a sweet potato is not. And that is a potato.” A sweet potato is a root. Potatoes are tubers. Since sweet potatoes are unrelated to white potatoes, the two should not be used as substitutes when cooking.
• The orange-fleshed sweet potato is often called a yam. Again, the two are unrelated. True yams are starchy, underground tubers that likely originated in Africa.
#1 Most Nutritious Veggie?
• Sweet potatoes are the #1 most nutritional vegetable, with more nutrients than even spinach or broccoli!
• Benefits of the sweet potato include high levels of Vitamins A and C, iron, potassium, and dietary fiber.
• Especially important is the high percentage of beta-carotene found in sweet potatoes. This is converted into Vitamin A, which has the ability to reduce the risk of certain cancers.
• Sweet potatoes because they have almost no fat which also makes them great for those watching their weight. With their low carbohydrate content and high fiber content, sweet potatoes keep you full for longer and give you all the essential nutrients.
Sweet Potato Pie with Candied Pecan Topping
Filling Ingredients:
3 medium sweet potatoes (about 1 1/2 pounds)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 large eggs
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon fine salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
Pinch ground cloves
Also needed:
1 frozen, prepared pie crust (store bought)
1 can or container whipped cream
Candied Pecans Ingredients:
1 large egg white
3 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup pecan pieces
Directions
Filling:
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Put the cleaned sweet potatoes on a small roasting pan and bake until easily pierced with a fork, about 40 minutes.
Meanwhile remove the pie crust from the freezer and allow to thaw.
Once cooled, peel the cooked sweet potatoes and mash lightly with a fork; you should have about 2 cups puree. Mix the sweet potatoes and butter in a food processor until smooth. Add the remaining ingredients and pulse to combine. Set aside.
Bake the pie crust according to package directions, then allow it to cool slightly. Pour the sweet potato filling into the warm crust and bake until set, about 20 minutes or so. Remove from the oven and cool on rack.
Candied Pecans:
Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly beat the egg white until frothy. Whisk in the sugar and cinnamon, and then toss pecans in the mixture. Evenly spread nuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake until dry and toasted, about 10 to 15 minutes. Allow to cool.
When ready to serve, top pie with whipped cream and candied pecans.
Letter from Betty for November 2019
Hello Friends,
Do you know your teen? Of course you do. About 3 feet tall, missing a front baby tooth, likes to jump in your lap—oh wait, that was ten years ago. The young person before you today is transformed in so many ways that are endlessly wonderful, and also endlessly challenging, We have some great advice for the parents of teens in our feature article for November, "Some Thoughts on Improving Parent-Teen Relationships."
If you're looking for a new craft project to draw your children away from their screens and back into the real world, check out our intriguing bonus article for this month, "You Can Do It: Handmade Paper."
Whatever your educational needs, Foundation for Learning is ready to assist you with caring, one-on-one, individualized tutoring, and ISEE/SSAT test prep.
Don't hesitate to give us a call at 973-425-1774 or send an email to betty.foundationforlearning@gmail.com for a free consultation.
Best regards,
Betty