Grandparents Join In
Here’s an opportunity for grandparents to share their stories in a local contest, “Building Memories,” sponsored by Grandparents Journal.
In 350 words or less, describe how you are creating memories with your grandchildren, whether they are near or far; and whether your memory-building moments are centered around seasons, holidays or everyday experiences.
Prizes, awarded to the top six entries, include children’s books and subscriptions to Grandparents Journal.
Send the essay, along with your name, address and phone number to: Grandparents Journal, 1419 E. Marietta, Spokane WA 99207. The deadline is July 15.
Grandparents Journal is a quarterly newsletter written by and for grandparents. Subscriptions are $8 per year.
Help grandchild succeed in school
According to a recent survey, grandparents can make a substantial contribution to their grandchild’s education.
The National Association of Elementary School Principals, in collaboration with World Book Educational Products, conducted the survey asking hundreds of school principals and grandparents about the role of grandparents in education.
The results are published in a free booklet, “The Apple of Your Eye: Helping Your Grandchildren Succeed in School.”
The booklet suggests simple yet effective ways for grandparents to reinforce and influence their grandchild’s education, whether they live nearby or across the country. Here are highlights:
Attend your grandchild’s school functions and meet their teachers.
Invite your grandchild to be a pen pal to encourage writing skills.
Demonstrate an interest in each grandchild’s school progress.
Read together and talk about the words and pictures.
Take your grandchild to cultural and community events.
Select educational gifts, such as books, games, globes and microscopes. Talk with them about current events and ask their opinion.
Use words of encouragement and praise when discussing school topics.
To order the free booklet, call (800) 621-8202.
Activity book for grandparents
When Verne Steen, a grandfather in Tucson, Ariz., began creating do-it-yourself toy kits for his grandchildren, his family encouraged him to put his ideas on paper to share with others.
The result is a charming book, “How to be a Way Cool Grandfather” ($12.95, Mustang Publishing). The title was derived from the exuberant exclamations of Steen’s 10-year-old grandson when presented with one of the toys.
The book gives simple, yet detailed instructions for making more than 30 toys using common household items, with suggested ages for each project.
Older kids will enjoy making stilts, a bull-roarer or helicopter propeller. Younger children will be eager to play Two Little Blackbirds or make a spool crawler.
The projects foster creativity and camaraderie between grandparent and grandchild. Some are educational, all are inexpensive. Says Steen: “The toys in this book teach children new skills, make them use their imaginations and let them spend quality time with a loving adult. Trust me, that is always ‘way cool.”’ To order, call (800) 250-8713, or send your name, address and a check for $12.95 plus $2 shipping, payable to: Mustang Publishing, P.O. Box 3004, Memphis, TN 38173.
, DataTimes MEMO: The Family Track is a weekly column of notes and information for families. Send items to Lynn Gibson, Features Department, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210-1615, or fax (509) 459-5098.