It’s Spring! A special treat that you’ll see popping up in bakeries this time of year is the Hamantaschen cookie. Why not try to make your own? With just 15 minutes of prep time, 12 minutes baking time, you can enjoy these wonderful, seasonal treats! Here’s how:
Hamantaschen Cookies
Ingredients:
3 eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
¾ cup vegetable oil
2 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
½ cup orange juice
5 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 cup fruit preserves, your favorite flavor
In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in the oil, vanilla, and orange juice. Combine the flour and baking powder; stir into the batter to form a stiff dough. Cover the dough and refrigerate overnight.
Next morning:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease 2 cookie sheets or cover with parchment paper.
On a lightly floured surface, roll dough out to ¼ inch in thickness. Cut into circles using a cookie cutter or the rim or a drinking glass. Place cookies 2 inches apart onto the prepared cookie sheets. Spoon about 2 teaspoons of preserves into the center of each one. Pinch the edges to form three corners.
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes in the preheated oven, or until lightly browned. Allow cookies to cool for 1 minute on the cookie sheet before removing to wire racks to cool completely.
Makes 24 delicious cookies
Letter from Betty for March 2022
Hello Friends,
Even conflicts halfway around the world can affect our mental state of well-being. To help you and your family cope with the events of these recent days, we have a timely feature article for the month of March, "Helping Your Child Cope with Anxiety and Fear About the War in Ukraine." We've even included some great book recommendations for the youngsters.
Getting in touch with nature is one of the best ways to ground yourself and reduce anxieties. To that end, please take a walk through our bonus article for March, "You Can Do It! Great New Jersey Hikes." Enjoy your time on the trails!
As always, we're tracking test dates and information for the SAT, ACT, SSAT, and ISEE tests. So mark your calendar and check out all the details in our "Test Schedule for March 2022."
Whatever your educational needs, Foundation for Learning is ready to assist you with caring, one-on-one, individualized tutoring, and ISEE/SSAT test prep. Please call 610-207-7811 or email betty.foundationforlearning@gmail.com for a free consultation.
Best regards,
Betty
Test Schedule for March 2022
Here are some important notes about 2021 testing.
SSAT
There are at-home SSAT test openings on March 3, 4, 5 and April 1, 2, 3, 29, 30.
ISEE
Students can now take the admissions test trusted by schools around the world from the comfort and safety of their homes. Students currently have two ISEE At Home remote testing options. Families should follow any instructions provided by their application school(s) when selecting their at-home testing choice. For more information about this option go to:
ISEE At Home For Families | ERBlearn.org
All Tests
Please make sure to check with the testing center ahead of the test date to make sure that there are no closings.
Helping Your Child Cope with Anxiety and Fear About the War in Ukraine
Many parents across the nation have noticed that over the past few years, their children have been experiencing anxiety, anger, confusion, and other issues. While we should note that some level of these emotions is completely normal, we’re all experiencing an uptick in them as we have faced the additional stress that came about due to COVID-19: isolation, lack of in-school learning and social time with friends, the uncomfortable “normalization” of mask wearing and social distancing, and having friends, family, or loved ones become ill and possibly passing away. It’s been a lot for all of us, but has been a special problem for our children because they don’t always understand what is going on. They hear parents and other adults talking, they see the news on social media or on the television, and it’s been scary. Now we have a brand-new situation that is likely going to raise some fears.
Russia has launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Again, you may see an increased level of anxiety in your children. It’s especially hard when the anxiety provoking situation is out of their control. So, what can we do to help our children during these stressful times? Here are suggestions from the people at the Happiness Broadcast:
First, check in with your own thoughts and remember that your feelings are normal, just as they are with our children. Being anxious is a normal human reaction. Although it can be easy to slip into catastrophic thinking (picturing the worst-case scenarios in your mind) during especially difficult times. Talk to your children and see if they understand what is going on, reassuring them that this invasion is happening in another country, far from home.
Limit news intake. Take media breaks from social media and the news. Both can amplify anxiety and be triggering if your child is already struggling. Bear in mind that your child’s anxiety may take another form, such as acting out or having sleep disturbances.
Reach out for help. Allow them to connect with friends and family, and help them to share their concerns in order to relieve stress. Ultimately, if you think that a professional is needed, don’t hesitate to contact them as well.
Fight against misinformation. People hit that share button way too quickly. It is very important to check if the news being shared comes from verifiable sources. Proceed with caution and be thoughtful about what you read and share.
Help the helpers. Evidence shows that helping others can also benefit our own mental health and doing something, anything to help another, will help to give some sense of control back during a situation where there is none. Show your support to the incredible people and nonprofits that provide aid and support to the people of Ukraine. If that is not possible, find any organization that will accept volunteer help and dedicate time with them. Especially helpful would be to find an organization that focuses on something your child is interested in.
And because you know that we’re always encouraging the reading of a good book, here are a few suggestions for your young ones and early readers:
When You Have Love - by Kira Sienes Corona
Psychologists say that the most important thing we can do for our children is let them know they are loved, especially when the world around them seems to be falling apart.
Zen Pig: Here To Do - by Mark Brown
Zen Pig might just be the cutest way to help your child learn how to focus their emotions when they are stressed out or anxious. Zen Pig teaches children the value of gratitude, mindfulness, and compassion in a way that's easy for them to understand.
Everyone Feels Anxious Sometimes - by Dr. Daniela Owen
This book is a self-help guide to aid children in dealing with stress and anxiety, by uncovering their emotions and following a simple calming routine. It educates children on what it means to be anxious and the story gives them real steps to take whenever they feel stressed or anxious.
Yes Days, No Days: The Art of Positive Thinking - by Mia Von Scha and Mirna Stevanovic
This book is perfect for teaching kids that it's okay to have a bad day and that having a positive attitude can change everything!
As always, if we can help or you are interested in more information on ways to facilitate your child’s success, don’t hesitate to get in touch! Please call Betty Bodenweiser at 610-207-7811 or email betty.foundationforlearning@gmail.com for a free consultation.
You Can Do It! Great New Jersey Hikes
Suspension bridge at Appalachian Trail Pochuck Boardwalk.
One of the best ways to stave off anxiety is to get outside and move! Pick a trail, pack snacks, and set aside a day to let off some steam. New Jersey has some beautiful forests and state parks, so get outside and go!
The Appalachian Trail Pochuck Boardwalk in Vernon is a popular spot, with an easy, 2 mile loop, a wooden boardwalk, and an amazing suspension bridge. It’s a gorgeous trail that connects the Pochuck and Wawayanda Mountains. This hike is a must!
Cattus Island in Toms River is a fabulous hike for birdwatchers. Seven miles of trails and boardwalks wind through 530 acres of marshes and forests and include beautiful views of the Barnegat Bay. In warmer weather, make sure to visit the butterfly garden at the Cooper Environmental Center.
The Cheesequake State Park in Matawan has 5 trails, some including moderate inclines and wooden plank bridges. Saltwater marshes, freshwater swamps, open fields, and a hardwood forest await you there!
Colonial Park in Somerset has 685 acres to explore, easy hiking trails, small hills, a lovely pond, and lots of birds and critters you just might see along the way. There are also picnic areas, paddleboats, mini golf, and a nice playground too!
Duke Farms in Hillsborough is not to be missed. Featuring 18 miles of hiking trails, woodlands, gardens, lakes, fountains and even a waterfall. Formerly owned by the heiress Doris Duke, you’ll also find a tram ride, an orchid greenhouse, and an organic café where you can pick up a lunch to enjoy on a lovely green space.
Hiking in a wooded section of Jockey Hollow Trail.
Jockey Hollow, located in Morristown, is a fascinating historical site that offers Revolutionary War reenactments as well as old houses spaced throughout the park. The main trail is a 5 mile loop that runs along charming brooks and through rolling hills.
Also in Morristown is the Loantaka Brook Reservation, with an easy 3.5 mile paved trail that is perfect for young bikers, scooters, and strollers too. If you want a more wooded hike, you can find that as well in this 570 acre park.
South Mountain Reservation is located in West Orange and has so much to offer. There is a “fairy trail”, a waterfall hike, a zoo, paddleboats, mini golf, and a playground.
Watchung Reservation in Mountainside has 13 miles of trails ranging from easy to moderate. Take a stroll around the beautiful Surprise Lake and Blue Brook, or wander through the historic abandoned village. The Trailside Nature Center offers wildlife exhibits and activities that younger children will enjoy.
Wharton State Forest is a destination for birds and birders alike.
Wharton State Forest in Hammonton is another must for birding. New Jersey’s largest state forest has easy hiking trails and is home to bald eagles, hawks, herons, swans, owls, river otters, fox, deer, and an exciting variety of other birds. The Batsto Lake is gorgeous and a relaxing spot for picnicking.
Letter from Betty for February 2022
Hello Friends,
If you have a school-age daughter, our feature article for February could prove especially meaningful. But wait—many boys can benefit equally as well! It's all about the reluctance or lack of confidence a student might have for math and science as school subjects and future careers, and how to turn that around. Read our February feature, "Building Confidence in Girls for Math and Science" for good advice on how to motivate young people towards the math/science field.
You might have seen your share of snow recently. And of course you might also have heard that no two snowflakes are alike. But how do we know this, really? What story can science tell us? Find out in our bonus article for February, ""Did You Know? The Science of Unique Snow Crystals."
As always, we're tracking test dates and information for the SAT, ACT, SSAT, and ISEE tests. So mark your calendar and check out all the details in our "Test Schedule for February 2022."
Whatever your educational needs, Foundation for Learning is ready to assist you with caring, one-on-one, individualized tutoring, and ISEE/SSAT test prep. Please call 610-207-7811 or email betty.foundationforlearning@gmail.com for a free consultation.
Best regards,
Betty
Test Schedule for February 2022
Here are some important notes about 2021 testing.
SSAT
There are at-home SSAT test openings on February 4, 5, 6 and March 3, 4, 5.
ISEE
Students can now take the admissions test trusted by schools around the world from the comfort and safety of their homes. Students currently have two ISEE At Home remote testing options. Families should follow any instructions provided by their application school(s) when selecting their at-home testing choice. For more information about this option go to:
ISEE At Home For Families | ERBlearn.org
All Tests
Please make sure to check with the testing center ahead of the test date to make sure that there are no closings.
Building Confidence in Girls for Math and Science
According to a 2015 survey by Google and Gallup entitled Images of Computer Science: Perceptions Among Students, Parents and Educators in the U.S., nearly half of the students polled said "people who do computer science need to be very smart," particularly when it comes to math and science. But only 42% described themselves as "very skilled" at math, and only 39% at science. It’s good that our students recognize the importance of these subjects but unfortunate that they don't feel they are smart enough to study them. This same poll also found that girls were 20% less likely to describe themselves as "very confident" that they could learn computer science skills, and only 18% of the girls said they were "very likely" to pursue computer science in the future, compared to 35% of boys.
What can parents do to change this situation for girls? Here are a few strategies that may help:
Show them examples of women who are successful in these fields. We all need someone to look up to, and though women are underrepresented in the fields of math and science, this is quickly changing. For instance, it was women who were in the forefront of developing the COVID vaccines that are so important today!
Give your girls toys and games that are related to—and that build skills focused on—STEM education. You can look back at previous articles that we’ve published, that list gift-giving suggestions. Why not make learning science, technology, engineering, and math more playful! Games can also help them learn computer skills such as coding.
Make math and science concepts real for your children. Both math and science are needed whenever you are preparing food for your family. Invite your children into the kitchen to cook with you and explain to them what you are doing, how you are measuring, how foodstuffs are transforming. There’s so much delicious information to be found in your kitchen!
Expose your girls (and boys too, for that matter) to the arts. Everything from music to photography involves mathematics, including painting, sculpture, and dance. The book entitled Gödel, Escher, Bach: an Eternal Golden Braid by Douglas Hofstadter is a really fascinating book on the subject, if you’d like further exploration.
Be aware of how you talk about science and math in front of your children. They look up to you and absorb what you do and say, so look for ways to talk about these subjects and other STEM concepts in positive and encouraging ways.
Help your daughter to develop newly learned skills by asking her to teach you the new math step that she has just learned in school. The role reversal will help strengthen her own understanding and help her to internalize important concepts.
As always, if we can help or you are interested in more information on ways to facilitate your child’s success, don’t hesitate to get in touch! Please call Betty Bodenweiser at 610-207-7811 or email betty.foundationforlearning@gmail.com for a free consultation.
Did You Know? The Science of Unique Snow Crystals
Is it true that no two snow crystals are alike? If so, how do we know?
The Librarian in the Science Reference section of the Library of Congress has the answer!
The scientific consensus states that the likelihood of two large snow crystals being identical is zero.
The probability that two snow crystals (a single ice crystal) or flakes (a snow crystal or multiple snow crystals stuck together) will be exactly alike in molecular structure and in appearance, is very minute. And to prove otherwise would not be easy. Each winter there are about 1 septillion (1, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000 or a trillion trillion) snow crystals that drop from the sky!
To go through all of the snow crystals produced every winter would be a daunting task. So, we rely on cloud physicists, crystallographers, and meteorologists to study snow crystals and explain to us why there are no two snow crystals alike.
First, we need to understand that not all water molecules are exactly alike. Generally speaking, water molecules have two hydrogen molecules with one 16O atom. However, not all water molecules will have this arrangement. Some water molecules will have an atom of deuterium in place of one of the hydrogen atoms and some water molecules will have an atom of 18O. Since the molecular makeup of snow crystals varies greatly from one to another, it follows that each snow crystal will be slightly different.
Furthermore, the unique and complex features of snow crystals are very much affected by unstable atmospheric conditions. Snow crystals are sensitive to temperature and will change in shape and design as they fall from the cloud and are exposed to fluctuating temperatures. To have two snow crystals or flakes with the same history of development is virtually impossible.
So the next time you look closely at snowflakes on your gloved hands, you can marvel at their complete uniqueness!
Letter from Betty for January 2022
Hello Friends,
Suspend your disbelief for a few minutes and imagine wondrous stories about a clever princess and her enchanted brothers, or about a girl and a boy on a meandering road trip across America, or an undercover FBI investigation and thrilling whodunnit. These are just a few of the worlds to explore from this past year's crop of new young adult and children's books. Read on in our feature article for January, "The Year in Review: Young Adult and Children's Book Recommendations."
Attention star-gazers and all amateur admirers of the night sky, do look up this week. Read more about an imminent light show blazing our way in this month's bonus article, "Did You Know? Quadrantid Meteor Shower."
As always, we're tracking test dates and information for the SAT, ACT, SSAT, and ISEE tests. So mark your calendar and check out all the details in our "Test Schedule for January 2022."
Whatever your educational needs, Foundation for Learning is ready to assist you with caring, one-on-one, individualized tutoring, and ISEE/SSAT test prep. Please call 610-207-7811 or email betty.foundationforlearning@gmail.com for a free consultation.
Best regards,
Betty
Test Schedule for January 2022
Here are some important notes about 2021 testing.
SSAT
There are at-home SSAT test openings on January 13, 14 and February 4, 5, 6.
ISEE
Students can now take the admissions test trusted by schools around the world from the comfort and safety of their homes. Students currently have two ISEE At Home remote testing options. Families should follow any instructions provided by their application school(s) when selecting their at-home testing choice. For more information about this option go to:
ISEE At Home For Families | ERBlearn.org
All Tests
Please make sure to check with the testing center ahead of the test date to make sure that there are no closings.
The Year in Review: Young Adult and Children's Book Recommendations
Let’s start off the new year with some great books! Here are some recommendations for young adults from book reviewers, librarians, and fellow authors.
Six Crimson Cranes
Elizabeth Lim
When a princess discovers she can do forbidden magic, her evil stepmother curses her and turns her brothers into cranes. “The Six Swans” has long been one of my favourite Grimm fairy tales, and Elizabeth Lim’s reimagining of it does not disappoint. It takes all the tropes – the princess in disguise as a kitchen wench, the enchanted brothers, the kindly prince – and twists them just enough to make them fresh, rendering this retelling more nuanced and compassionate than the original tale.
— Caitlyn Paxson, book critic
Me (Moth)
Amber McBride
A girl who lost her family in a car accident takes a transformative road trip across America with a boy she barely knows. Me (Moth) may feature a list of sightseeing stops and a series of motels, but it defies the road trip genre, carving out a pensive path through ancestry, trauma and art. On every page, author Amber McBride builds layer upon layer of meaning, entwining imagery of moths with Navajo creation stories with American history with Hoodoo magic. For a book in verse that is so spare and careful with words, Me (Moth) is very full of meaning.
— Caitlyn Paxson, book critic
Firekeeper's Daughter
Angeline Boulley
Ojibwe college student Daunis has become enveloped in an FBI investigation that threatens to tear apart her community, and once she agrees to go undercover, she realizes that the corruption runs deeper than she ever could have imagined. This absolute powerhouse of a debut combines a contemplative exploration of existing between two cultural identities with backwoods thriller intrigue, and does it with such confidence and grace that you find yourself suddenly at the end, breathless and hard-pressed to believe that it’s over. Firekeeper’s Daughter forges a new path, creating a deeply engaging mystery that illuminates far more than the expected whodunnit.
— Caitlyn Paxson, book critic
Sunny Song Will Never Be Famous
Suzanne Park
Feisty Sun-Hee Song is a 17-year-old Korean American influencer who ends up in a digital detox camp after a slightly PG-13 moment goes viral. She’s forced to spend a month in the cornfields of Iowa among celebrities with no digital devices whatsoever – except the burner phone she smuggled in. Sunny’s in the running for an exclusive influencer contest, and she actually has a shot! But the other competitor is the meanest girl in camp, who has 10 times Sunny’s following. And is maintaining her social status worth risking her adorable budding romance with the farm family’s youngest son? An absolute joy to read.
— Alethea Kontis, author and book critic
Not Here to Be Liked
Michelle Quach
Eliza, the Chinese Vietnamese American heroine of Michelle Quach’s marvelous debut novel, Not Here to Be Liked, has worked tirelessly on Willoughby High School’s Bugle newspaper for years. So when an inexperienced ex-basketball player with tons of charisma walks away with the editor-in-chief position, she’s understandably upset. After her rant about the situation is unintentionally published, Eliza finds herself held up as the Voice of Feminism. But the more she gets to know the handsome and kind “face of the patriarchy,” the more she likes him. Is following through with her activism worth killing their budding relationship? Not Here to Be Liked is a truly excellent book, helmed by two captivating main characters and an author who is not shy about tackling weighty subjects.
— Alethea Kontis, author and book critic
And here are some recommendations for younger readers.
Magic Candies
Heena Baek, translated by Sophie Bowman
This picture book import is so good that it’s been turned into stage productions in South Korea. When Tong Tong purchases a bag of strange, round candies, he discovers that each one allows him to hear the hidden speech of someone, or some thing. Intricately designed models bring this kooky story to life. And honestly, who wouldn’t want to hear what the leaves have to say? You’ll also be sure to treat your couch with greater kindness after a single read. (For ages 4 to 8)
— Betsy Bird, librarian, book critic and author of Long Road to the Circus
Bright Star
Yuyi Morales
Bright Star takes readers on an exploration of the borderlands between the United States and Mexico, inviting us to observe moments of joy, to be attentive to danger and to shout out in anger when necessary. Yuyi Morales includes reminders to “breathe in, breathe out” throughout the book, giving the story the feel of a guided meditation that crosses from the world of animals to the world of people. In doing so, she shows how the actions of humanity can sometimes run counter to the ways of the natural world. (For ages 4 to 8)
— Minh Lê, author of Lift and Green Lantern: Legacy
The Little Wooden Robot and the Log Princess
Tom Gauld
When a childless king and queen seek kids of their own, they end up with a wooden robot and a girl made from a log. And when tragedy places the siblings in danger, this unlikely duo will plunge into a multitude of adventures to help each other. First-time picture book creator Tom Gauld has a keen ear for fairy-tale conventions with much of the story’s charm coming down to his keen ear for tone. And with blurbs from Neil Gaiman, Oliver Jeffers, Jillian Tamaki, Jon Klassen and Carson Ellis, clearly this book is doing something right. (For ages 4 to 8)
— Betsy Bird, librarian, book critic and author of Long Road to the Circus
Garlic and the Vampire
Bree Paulsen
Bree Paulsen’s debut graphic novel for middle-graders, Garlic and the Vampire, is utterly charming. Garlic is one of the vegetable folk who tend Witch Agnes’ garden. She has anxiety, is best friends with Carrot, and definitely doesn’t want an adventure. But then a vampire moves into the neighborhood, and suddenly everybody is relying on Garlic to deal with the newcomer! This is such a warm-hearted story – and it has neat vampire lore and a caution against assumptions. Paulsen’s illustrations glow, the palate all late summer gold and green and rust, and expressive characters. I desperately want to be Garlic’s friend, and you will too. (For ages 8 to 12)
— Jessica P. Wick, writer and book critic
The Boy and the Sea
Camille Andros, illustrated by Amy Bates
Like the ocean itself, this book sparkles on the surface while containing immense depth below. Following a young boy over the course of a lifetime, Camille Andros’ story ebbs and flows with a comforting rhythm while Amy Bates’ timeless artwork washes over you. As the boy grows older, he returns regularly to the sea looking for answers but discovers something more valuable: perspective. As an author, I desperately wish I had written this book myself, but I’ll happily settle for cherishing it as a reader. (For ages 4 to 8)
— Minh Lê, author of Lift and Green Lantern: Legacy
Did You Know? Quadrantid Meteor Shower
The Quadrantid meteor shower peaks overnight from January 3 to January 4, hitting its peak hours between 3:00a.m. and 4:40 a.m. Eastern on January 3, 2022. During this peak there will be up to 110 meteors sailing through the sky per hour, and though they radiate from the northern sky, they will appear in all parts of the sky. You may be able to spot one of its fireballs anytime between December 26 to January 16 when the shower is active.
The Quadrantids are named for a constellation that no longer exists. Most meteor showers get their name from the constellations from which they appear to radiate, and so it is with the Quadrantids. But the Quadrantids’ constellation no longer exists, except in memory. The name Quadrantids comes from the constellation Quadrans Muralis. French astronomer Jerome Lalande created this constellation in 1795. This now-obsolete constellation was between the constellations of Boötes the Herdsman and Draco the Dragon.
How does a constellation become obsolete?
In 1839, two men, Adolphe Quetelet of Brussels Observatory in Belgium and Edward C. Herrick in Connecticut, independently suggested that the Quadrantids as an annual shower. Then, in 1922, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) created a list of the 88 modern constellations, and it did not include Quadrans Muralis.
Letter from Betty for December 2021
Hello Friends,
'Tis the season to be giving, and as usual for December, we have incredible suggestions for gifts for your children. They are amazing, interesting, and — shhhh! — educational too. Check them all out in our feature article for this month: "Fascinating and Fun Gifts For Your Children."
And while we've got you in a Ho Ho Ho mood, let us suggest a deep dive into the untold story of the making of the first Charlie Brown special in our bonus article for December: "Did You Know? Some Facts About A Charlie Brown Christmas." Enjoy!
As always, we're tracking test dates and information for the SAT, ACT, SSAT, and ISEE tests. So mark your calendar and check out all the details in our "Test Schedule for December 2021."
Whatever your educational needs, Foundation for Learning is ready to assist you with caring, one-on-one, individualized tutoring, and ISEE/SSAT test prep. Please call 610-207-7811 or email betty.foundationforlearning@gmail.com for a free consultation.
Best regards,
Betty
Test Schedule for December 2021
Here are some important notes about 2021 testing.
SSAT
There are at-home SSAT test openings on January 12,13, 14, 15, and 16.
ISEE
Students can now take the admissions test trusted by schools around the world from the comfort and safety of their homes. Students currently have two ISEE At Home remote testing options. Families should follow any instructions provided by their application school(s) when selecting their at-home testing choice. For more information about this option go to:
ISEE At Home For Families | ERBlearn.org
All Tests
Please make sure to check with the testing center ahead of the test date to make sure that there are no closings.
Fascinating and Fun Gifts For Your Student
It’s that time of year again and we’ve got fascinating gift ideas for you to consider! These learning toys will entertain while at the same time help the recipient develop critical thinking and problem solving skills and imaginative fun. They’re creative and challenging and are sure to elicit hours of imaginative fun.
National Geographic Stunning Science Chemistry Set (for ages 8+)
With this set, your children will be able to:
Mold and paint their own volcano
Make their volcano erupt
Make an extra bubbly volcano eruption
Make an extra loud volcano eruption
Create an underwater volcano
Mix a variety of color-changing and fizzing solutions
Cause a fizzy rainbow eruption
Erupt a geyser
Blow up balloons with pop crystals
Launch a rocket with CO2
Make pop crystal fireworks
And a whole lot more!
Magna-Tiles 100-Piece Clear Colors Set (for ages 3-99)
The original 3D magnetic building sets that engage young minds by fusing together math, science and creativity.
The set includes one-hundred translucent, colorful shapes including squares (4 large, 50 small) and triangles (20 equilateral, 11 right, 15 Isosceles).
It sparks hours of imaginative free play in children. Anything they can dream, they can create!
Develops math, science, spatial and tactile skills.
PEEK & PUSH: A Game of Memory and Coordination (for age 12+)
PEEK & PUSH is a 2-player strategy game that puts your memory to the test. Create a set or run before your opponent does, and you win! The game begins with all of the tiles face down. Peek to see the contents of a tile, or Push a row or column to shift the board. But be careful, don't lose track of tiles you’ve already uncovered!
Wonder Workshop Dash: Coding Robot (for age 8+)
Program Dash to move, dance, make sounds, avoid obstacles, and more with 5 Free Programming STEM Apps. Free apps for Apple iOS, Android OS, and Fire OS. Voice activated fun!
Craft-tastic – Learn to Sew Kit (for ages 7-15 years)
Craft Kit Includes 7 Fun Projects, 34 Page Instruction Book, and Reusable Materials to Teach Basic Sewing Stitches, Embroidery & More
Your children will make a bracelet, headband, adorable stuffie, bunny pouch, pin cushion, backpack, and a cool phone case.
ThinkFun Rush Hour Junior Traffic Jam Logic Game (for ages 5+)
Rush Hour Jr. is the junior version of international bestseller Rush Hour. It's a traffic jam game that comes with 40 challenges of increasing difficulty. Made with high quality components, and comes with very clear and easy to understand instruction manual.
Avengers Hero Inventor Kit (ages 8+)
How much fun to join the Marvel Avengers! Players become their own Super Heroes by building and customizing their high-tech hero gear and unique identity with littleBits electronic blocks. With their favorite Marvel Avengers, like Iron Man, Black Panther Shuri, Ant-Man and the Wasp, players enter Super Hero training in the app, control their gear with their smart device, give gear new abilities with easy block coding, and use their creativity and STEM skills to customize their own hero identity and gear to match. With inventions like night vision to see in the dark, speed Tracker to test their speed training, and hero icon design to code their own hero icon on the LED Matrix bit, children will unleash the power of their imagination to change the world. Product features include instruction videos for over 18 in-app activities, wearable Tech sensors, in-app block coding, customizable LED Matrix light design, and authentic Marvel Avengers sound effects.
Did You Know? Some Facts About A Charlie Brown Christmas
1. Charles Schulz Wasn't Really Interested In Getting Into Animation
Since the debut of Peanuts in 1955, Charles Schulz and United Press Syndicate had gotten a steady stream of offers to adapt the characters for film and television. Schulz relented for Ford Motors and allowed Charlie Brown to appear in a series of commercials for the Ford Falcon in the early 1960s. The spots were animated by director Bill Melendez, who earned Schulz’s favor by keeping the art simple and not using the exaggerated movements of the Disney films Bambi, and Dumbo, that Melendez had worked on previously.
2. A Charlie Brown Christmas Was Going To Have a Laugh Track
In the ‘60s, it was standard procedure to lay a laugh track over virtually any half-hour comedy. When producer Lee Mendelson told Schulz he didn’t see the Peanuts special being any different, the artist got up and left the room for several minutes before coming in and continuing as if nothing had happened. Mendelson got the hint.
3. Snoopy's Voice Is Just Sped-up Nonsense
The early Peanuts specials made use of both untrained kids and professional actors: Peter Robbins (Charlie Brown) and Christopher Shea (Linus) were working child performers, while the rest of the cast consisted of "regular" kids coached by Melendez in the studio. When Schulz told Melendez that Snoopy couldn’t have any lines in the show—he’s a dog, and Schulz’s dogs didn’t talk—the animator decided to bark and chuff into a microphone himself, then speed up the recording to give it a more emotive quality.
4. Charles Schulz Hated Jazz
The breezy instrumental score by composer, Vince Guaraldi, would go on to become synonymous with Peanuts animation, but it wasn’t up to Schulz. He left the music decisions to Mendelson, telling a reporter shortly after the special aired that he thought jazz was “awful.”
5. Charlie Brown's Head Was a Nightmare To Animate
Because Melendez was unwilling to stray from Schulz’s distinctive character designs, he found himself in a contentious battle with Charlie Brown’s noggin. Its round shape made it difficult to depict Charlie turning around, and as with most of the characters, his arms were too tiny to scratch his head. Snoopy, in contrast, was free of a ball-shaped cranium and became the show’s easiest figure to animate.
5. Charles Schulz Was Embarrassed By One Scene
Careful viewings of the special reveal a continuity error: in scenes where Charlie Brown is standing near his tree, the branches appear to grow from moment to moment. The goof annoyed Schulz, who blamed the mistake on two animators who didn’t know what the other was doing.
6. CBS Hated A Charlie Brown Christmas
After toiling on the special for six months, Melendez and Mendelson screened it for CBS executives just three weeks before it was set to air. The mood in the room was less than enthusiastic. The network found it slow and lacking in energy, telling Melendez they weren’t interested in any more specials. To add insult, someone had misspelled Schulz in the credits, adding a “T” to his last name.
7. Half the Country Watched A Charlie Brown Christmas
Viewers weren’t nearly as cynical about Charlie Brown’s holiday woes as his corporate benefactors. A Charlie Brown Christmas pulled a 50 share, meaning half of all households with a television turned on were watching it. CBS finally acknowledged it was a winner.
8. A Charlie Brown Christmas Killed Aluminum Tree Sales
Aluminum Christmas trees were marketed beginning in 1958 and enjoyed fairly strong sales by eliminating pesky needles and tree sap. But the annual airings of A Charlie Brown Christmas swayed public thinking. In the special, Charlie Brown refuses to get a fake tree. Viewers began to do the same, and the product was virtually phased out by 1969.
Letter from Betty for November 2021
Hello Friends,
When you were in high school you had a lot on your mind. Teens today are no different, and thoughts and worries having nothing to do with class work can be stressful preoccupations. To address this issue we have a feature article for November, "Helping Your Teenager Manage School Related Stress."
What's in a date? In the case of Thanksgiving, there are many answers. Find out why in a behind-the-scenes history lesson about one of America's favorite holidays in our bonus article for November, "Did You Know? A History of Thanksgiving Days."
As always, we're tracking test dates and information for the SAT, ACT, SSAT, and ISEE tests. So mark your calendar and check out all the details in our "Test Schedule for November 2021."
Whatever your educational needs, Foundation for Learning is ready to assist you with caring, one-on-one, individualized tutoring, and ISEE/SSAT test prep. Please call 610-207-7811 or email betty.foundationforlearning@gmail.com for a free consultation.
Best regards,
Betty
Test Schedule for November 2021
Here are some important notes about 2021 testing.
SSAT
Registration for upcoming paper-based tests will be open after August 1st.
There are at-home SSAT test openings on November 19, December 17, 18, and 19.
ISEE
Students can now take the admissions test trusted by schools around the world from the comfort and safety of their homes. Students currently have two ISEE At Home remote testing options. Families should follow any instructions provided by their application school(s) when selecting their at-home testing choice. For more information about this option go to:
ISEE At Home For Families | ERBlearn.org
All Tests
Please make sure to check with the testing center ahead of the test date to make sure that there are no closings.
Helping Your Teenager Manage School Related Stress
The school year has started, and while parents may be especially focused on their children’s grades, their teens may be stressing more about very different things, such as fitting into the social scene, dating, making the team, impending college decisions, and physical changes. Here are a few stress management tips for you.
Find time to connect with your children so that conversations are comfortable and often. Over time you’ll be able to understand what is on their mind, not only because something fresh and new has occurred, but also because you’ll be able to see patterns in what it is they talk about. It also lets them know that you support them now and will be there for them throughout the school year and beyond.
Take a look at the successes your children have had in the past, both socially and academically, and talk about those too. Triggering those memories will help them be at ease with current challenges and may help them identify those skills that they learned that can be utilized again.
Don’t wait until stress has reared its ugly head, leading to a major meltdown. Instead, take advantage of these calmer moments to check in and remind your teens about the importance of getting enough sleep, eating well, managing time wisely, and scheduling downtime each and every day to unwind and recharge while doing something fun, engrossing, and relaxing.
Make sure your teens, as well as the entire family, have a healthy and realistic daily routine. This will set up reasonably good expectations for each day, and help potentially stressful mornings run more smoothly. Be sure to allow your teens to have input here as this will reinforce the importance of time management, as well as be a show of respect for them, their ideas, and their needs.
Anticipate potential stressors and talk about them by asking open-ended questions such as “What are you looking forward to this year?” or “What are you feeling nervous about this semester?” You can help your teens work out solutions to anticipated stressors, think of ways to lessen this stress ahead of time, take a look at what did or did not work the previous year, and of course, talk again about healthy ways to manage stress. To have this conversation before the big test or project will make a big difference.
And just to repeat, make sure to build in regular, ongoing time for these conversations. Checking in regularly will reinforce for your teens that you are a source of support, you can nip potential problems in the bud, and you can revise or rework plans as needed.
