A Beautiful Response

I am amazed to receive such beautiful stories about childhood memories from Goddard families, teachers and staff.  Thank you a million times for your thoughtful responses.  Everyday I look at my emails eager to find another note about things families do together, songs they sing and special ways of being together.  One mom recently reminded me of the poem " Children Learn What They Live"  originally written by Dorothy Law Nolte.  Over the years there have been many versions.  I have included it here as a special reminder of why this book is so important.  Hope you enjoy. I will also be posting illustrations from a very talented young illustrator named "Jennie Penny."  She is a major contributor to the Childhood Wonders book.  You can see more of her work at http://jenniepennyart.carbonmade.com/

Children Learn What They Live (1993)

If children live with criticism, they learn to condemn.
If children live with hostility, they learn to fight.
If children live with fear, they learn to be apprehensive.
If children live with pity, they learn to feel sorry for themselves.
If children live with ridicule, they learn to be shy.
If children live with jealousy, they learn what envy is.
If children live with shame, they learn to feel guilty.
If children live with tolerance, they learn to be patient.
If children live with encouragement, they learn to be confident.
If children live with praise, they learn to appreciate.
If children live with approval, they learn to like themselves.
If children live with acceptance, they learn to find love in the world.
If children live with recognition, they learn to have a goal.
If children live with sharing, they learn to be generous.
If children live with honesty and fairness, they learn what truth and justice are.
If children live with security, they learn to have faith in themselves and in those around them.
If children live with friendliness, they learn that the world is a nice place in which to live.
If children live with serenity, they learn to have peace of mind.
With what are your children living?

New Year New Book!

After almost two years of conceptual development, I am pleased to announce the development of an amazing new book with the National Geographic Society.  While the actual title is not yet confirmed, the spirit and intention of this book is clear:  To create an instant classic for families with children ages 3-8 that includes favorite activities, stories, songs, poems and adventures.

This book is very special in so many ways.  First, it will contain all of the childhood wonders families from all over the world have contributed to create the book.  Second, over 100 children's illustrations will be shared from major artists to lesser known but wonderfully creative artists.  Third, included will be many of the best loved stories, poems and songs all children should hear, remember and hopefully pass down to the next generation.  And finally, we have included a guide to skills and learning for each activity presented in the book.  Working with Kathy Hirsh-Pasek and Roberta Golinkoff we have incorporated their 6 C's to successful learning, adding an even greater level of information to  help parents use the book.

As part of this book's development process we are working with the Goddard Schools to help create a cover design, title, collect childhood wonders and field test activities. Goddard Schools administrators, faculty, parents and children will help shape this book over the next several months.  I want to thank each contributor for their insight and understanding of this project.  

Childhood is such a wonderful time, filled with moments that matter for a lifetime.  I hope this book will be a keeper of these important rites of passages for families and a guide to explore new traditions.   I look forward to continuing to share the development of this book.

Welcome!

Welcome to our FamilyStories Blog
Thank you for visiting my blog! Every week or so I will be adding a new entry. I’ll be writing about moments that matter in the lives of my family and yours. I would love to hear your thoughts, ideas, and family wisdom.

About Susan Magsamen