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Show Me How! Build Your Child's Self-Esteem Through Reading, Crafting and Cooking
The perfect book for time-short parents and teachers...great fun for everyone involved! Flip it open and find 100 classic picture book recommendations, each with a quick and easy craft project and child-friendly healthful cooking activity. If there is room for only ONE activity book on the shelf...this is it! Makes planning fun-filled educational activities a snap for parents, grandparents, daycare providers, teachers or any child-care facilitators of kids ages 2-8. "Using this book with children will help build their self-esteem and turn them into life-long readers and lovers of books!" --Suzanne Williams, author of over 27 children's books -- "A wonderful resource for people who care for their children and hope to better their learning experience" -- Norman Bridwell - author of Clifford The Big Red Dog -- Library Journal says, "The trilevel format is commendable." "A delightful guide to reading and planning activities with young children." --Katharine Holabird -- author of Angelina Ballerina -- With keen insight and proven experience as an educator, parenting speaker and children's author, Kirkfield empowers parents with simple and effective strategies to help their children develop a positive self-image. Chapter One, "I CAN DO IT MYSELF", focuses on mastering tasks and skills. Chapter Four, "I AM REALLY MAD RIGHT NOW!", shows how important it is to be able to express our feelings. "A timely and timeless book It's sure to be a family favorite!" --Sheila Glazov, author of What Color Is Your Brain -- This book is the answer to a busy parent's prayer. With the turn of every page, you will build self-esteem, develop literacy skills and create a life-long parent-child bond.
256 pages, Paperback
First published September 26, 2010
3 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 21, 2012
A little while ago Ms. Kirkfield (the author) was giving away 20 copies of her books to her blog reader's local library, and I won one! I donated the copy to my local library and they were super happy to have it! Ms. Kirkfield also offered to send me a second copy to review as long as I donated the book after I am done reviewing it.
When I first started to read "Show Me How!" I was expecting to read a book about crafting and helping your kids feel good about themselves. Well, I did find that but I also found a lot more! The book recommends 100 already published picture books and has a cool craft and cooking activity to go with the book! The book is divided into 6 chapters. Each chapter has a different topic like "I Love You and You Love Me" (chapter 3) and "I Am Really Mad Right Now" (chapter 4). Then there are a bunch of picture book suggestions in each chapter and a description of each book, a note for parents about what the book teaches, a craft that relates to the story and a cooking idea that also goes with the story. There is also a place where parents can write their own notes about each story/activity.
For an example, my sister and I did the things for "Norman The Doorman" book by Don Freeman. It is in chapter 2 of "Show Me How!"- "I'm Special."
First my sister and I read "Norman the Doorman." It is about a little mouse who loves art and gives tours of the art museum to other mice while trying not to get caught by the guard. Norman made a sculpture out of the wire from a mouse trap and entered it in a contest at the museum. We both really liked the book!
Next my sister and I did the craft in the "Show Me How!" book. The craft was to make your own sculpture out of wire (we used pipe-cleaners). You use a piece of foam as a base. My sister made a girl on a swing and I made an alien in a flying saucer.
It was lunch time after we got done our craft, so we did the cooking idea from "Show Me How" for lunch - "Child-Friendly Macaroni and Cheese"! It was easy for us to make by ourselves and it was delicious!
I really LOVED this book and the activities in it! I thought the format was unique and very cool. Even though the book is meant for kids younger than me, I really enjoyed doing the things in the book. I think all parents and kids will really enjoy this book. I also think that books that help kid's self-esteem and bring parents and their children closer together are very important!
I'd like to give "Show Me How" (and all its activities) ten stars, but the scale only goes to five!
When I first started to read "Show Me How!" I was expecting to read a book about crafting and helping your kids feel good about themselves. Well, I did find that but I also found a lot more! The book recommends 100 already published picture books and has a cool craft and cooking activity to go with the book! The book is divided into 6 chapters. Each chapter has a different topic like "I Love You and You Love Me" (chapter 3) and "I Am Really Mad Right Now" (chapter 4). Then there are a bunch of picture book suggestions in each chapter and a description of each book, a note for parents about what the book teaches, a craft that relates to the story and a cooking idea that also goes with the story. There is also a place where parents can write their own notes about each story/activity.
For an example, my sister and I did the things for "Norman The Doorman" book by Don Freeman. It is in chapter 2 of "Show Me How!"- "I'm Special."
First my sister and I read "Norman the Doorman." It is about a little mouse who loves art and gives tours of the art museum to other mice while trying not to get caught by the guard. Norman made a sculpture out of the wire from a mouse trap and entered it in a contest at the museum. We both really liked the book!
Next my sister and I did the craft in the "Show Me How!" book. The craft was to make your own sculpture out of wire (we used pipe-cleaners). You use a piece of foam as a base. My sister made a girl on a swing and I made an alien in a flying saucer.
It was lunch time after we got done our craft, so we did the cooking idea from "Show Me How" for lunch - "Child-Friendly Macaroni and Cheese"! It was easy for us to make by ourselves and it was delicious!
I really LOVED this book and the activities in it! I thought the format was unique and very cool. Even though the book is meant for kids younger than me, I really enjoyed doing the things in the book. I think all parents and kids will really enjoy this book. I also think that books that help kid's self-esteem and bring parents and their children closer together are very important!
I'd like to give "Show Me How" (and all its activities) ten stars, but the scale only goes to five!
September 19, 2011
Vivian Kirkfield has poured so much care and love into this wonderful guide that it is palpable on every page. Any parent would consider it a blessing to be able to leave their little one in Vivian’s loving, caring and thoughtful hands. Since she’s not available to all of us, this book is the next best thing.
SHOW ME HOW! is the first in the new Positive Parental Participation Series. It is a book that you can pick up today and start using within minutes. The format is wonderful as Vivian divides the book into six chapters, each with a different theme such as Mastering Tasks and Skills, Valuing Strengths and Qualities, and Feeling Appreciated, Loved and Accepted.
A brief anecdote introduces and clearly illustrates the theme of each chapter. Then, within each chapter, Vivian lists 15 to 18 picture book titles with synopsis and one craft and cooking activity for each book. A short Positive Parental Participation Note explains ways in which parents, teachers, and caregivers can lead the way in building a child's self-esteem.
Many of the picture books will be on your home, class, or school library shelves. If they are not, they will surely be available at your public library or inexpensively at your favorite local or on-line bookstore. The materials required for the craft projects will probably be found in your craft closets, project drawers, or recycling bins. And, the tools and ingredients required for the cooking activities are items you will have in your utensil drawer, fridge, or pantry. Of course, it is always a good idea to check the lists and plan ahead so that children won’t be disappointed if items are not readily available.
You don’t have to be an expert to use this book to its fullest potential. All you need is a love of children and a desire to build their self-esteem. The rest is all fun and games and yummy, nutritious treats. Every child will be excited to relate the stories from the picture books, to display their artwork and craft projects, and to share their snacks with their teachers, moms, dads, grandparents, older siblings and babysitters. With one hundred great ideas at your fingertips, building self-esteem in your child or student has never been so fun!
For more information about SHOW ME HOW! or to purchase a paperback copy or Kindle book edition please visit www.positiveparentalparticipation.com.
DISCLOSURE: I want to sincerely thank Vivian Kirkfield for sending me a complimentary copy of this book to read and review.
SHOW ME HOW! is the first in the new Positive Parental Participation Series. It is a book that you can pick up today and start using within minutes. The format is wonderful as Vivian divides the book into six chapters, each with a different theme such as Mastering Tasks and Skills, Valuing Strengths and Qualities, and Feeling Appreciated, Loved and Accepted.
A brief anecdote introduces and clearly illustrates the theme of each chapter. Then, within each chapter, Vivian lists 15 to 18 picture book titles with synopsis and one craft and cooking activity for each book. A short Positive Parental Participation Note explains ways in which parents, teachers, and caregivers can lead the way in building a child's self-esteem.
Many of the picture books will be on your home, class, or school library shelves. If they are not, they will surely be available at your public library or inexpensively at your favorite local or on-line bookstore. The materials required for the craft projects will probably be found in your craft closets, project drawers, or recycling bins. And, the tools and ingredients required for the cooking activities are items you will have in your utensil drawer, fridge, or pantry. Of course, it is always a good idea to check the lists and plan ahead so that children won’t be disappointed if items are not readily available.
You don’t have to be an expert to use this book to its fullest potential. All you need is a love of children and a desire to build their self-esteem. The rest is all fun and games and yummy, nutritious treats. Every child will be excited to relate the stories from the picture books, to display their artwork and craft projects, and to share their snacks with their teachers, moms, dads, grandparents, older siblings and babysitters. With one hundred great ideas at your fingertips, building self-esteem in your child or student has never been so fun!
For more information about SHOW ME HOW! or to purchase a paperback copy or Kindle book edition please visit www.positiveparentalparticipation.com.
DISCLOSURE: I want to sincerely thank Vivian Kirkfield for sending me a complimentary copy of this book to read and review.
November 22, 2012
I received a copy of Vivian Kirkfield's book via a give-away promotion with the idea in mind that I would donate it to a Mental Health organisation I am associated with to use in conjunction with children's support groups. The children of parents who suffer with mental illness are often at odds with their self-esteem given home situations. This will be a very welcome inclusion to their library.
When I got the book I was totally unprepared for the sheer size of it along with valuable content. There is not one page of 'fluff'. It is well indexed and referenced which is a great plus.
Teachers, parents and care givers would be wise to buy just this one book and put the rest of the clutter away!
For the purpose of this review, as I did not read the whole book, I opened it to a random page (84-85). There is a suggestion for reading (The Ugly Duckling) with author, illustrator, translator and publisher listed along with a detailed synopsis of the book. There is a 'Positive Parental Participation Note' which explains the impact of celebrating a child's special-ness.
On the following page is a suggested craft for an Origami Bird which needs only paper, scissors and a marker. And finally a Child Friendly English Muffin Bread recipe.
The above describes the format of the rest of the book. Flipping open the book will provide give a days worth of fine gems to share with and interact and enjoy with young children.
I remain amazed at the value of the content of this book and can whole heartedly recommend it!
Great job Vivian, I wish you much success.
When I got the book I was totally unprepared for the sheer size of it along with valuable content. There is not one page of 'fluff'. It is well indexed and referenced which is a great plus.
Teachers, parents and care givers would be wise to buy just this one book and put the rest of the clutter away!
For the purpose of this review, as I did not read the whole book, I opened it to a random page (84-85). There is a suggestion for reading (The Ugly Duckling) with author, illustrator, translator and publisher listed along with a detailed synopsis of the book. There is a 'Positive Parental Participation Note' which explains the impact of celebrating a child's special-ness.
On the following page is a suggested craft for an Origami Bird which needs only paper, scissors and a marker. And finally a Child Friendly English Muffin Bread recipe.
The above describes the format of the rest of the book. Flipping open the book will provide give a days worth of fine gems to share with and interact and enjoy with young children.
I remain amazed at the value of the content of this book and can whole heartedly recommend it!
Great job Vivian, I wish you much success.
May 26, 2015
This is the book that has everyone saying, “I wish it was around when my kids were small.” Author Vivian Kirkfield tapped into her extensive experience teaching, caring for, and raising young children to create this fantastic resource that utilizes one hundred picture book titles, many of them classics, and matches them with simple eco-friendly crafts and kid-friendly (healthful and delicious) recipes. Spread through six chapters, these books, craft activities, and cooking projects help build a child’s self-esteem and strengthen the bond between the child and the adult by focusing on the fundamental components of child development and, most importantly, Positive Parental Participation. I’m truly impressed with this book!
Here’s what you’ll find inside:
A simple schedule for a balanced and harmonious day
100 picture books every young child should hear/read
100 child-friendly, healthful recipes and 100 age-appropriate, eco-friendly craft projects
True-life scenarios and crucial tips to help every parent identify and deal with six of the fundamental components of child development that contribute to building self-esteem
The key ingredient: Positive Parental Participation!
I don’t have any children of my own, but I highly recommend this book for anyone who teaches or cares for young children in any way, be it parent, grandparent, teacher, day care provider, or baby sitter. It’s also a great resource for children’s librarians who often present themed story times with books, crafts, and snacks. I wish this book was around when I was a child!
Here’s what you’ll find inside:
A simple schedule for a balanced and harmonious day
100 picture books every young child should hear/read
100 child-friendly, healthful recipes and 100 age-appropriate, eco-friendly craft projects
True-life scenarios and crucial tips to help every parent identify and deal with six of the fundamental components of child development that contribute to building self-esteem
The key ingredient: Positive Parental Participation!
I don’t have any children of my own, but I highly recommend this book for anyone who teaches or cares for young children in any way, be it parent, grandparent, teacher, day care provider, or baby sitter. It’s also a great resource for children’s librarians who often present themed story times with books, crafts, and snacks. I wish this book was around when I was a child!
January 9, 2011
Wrote a review with a contest here http://havesippywilltravel.blogspot.c...
The development of children is supremely important to me, as I believe it is for most of you. As a mommy and as a teacher, I enjoy spending time with them, and learning how to improve that time and help them get he most out of it is great.
I absolutely love the ideas and examples. The author draws from so many great children's books, that even if you work at a Pre-K and have a massive home library like yours truly, you will still need to utilize your local library. (And there is another great way to spend dome quality time with your kiddos!)
For example, there is a reading activity in which the adult reads "Alexander, Who is Not (Do You Hear Me? I Mean It!) Going to Move" by Judith Viorst. The child is anxious about moving, and so the parental notes on the bottom suggest activities that can help make the child feel more confident and even excited about the move. Change is scary! You can overcome the fears together.
There is a fun activity in the crafting area, about how to make a sundial A sundial! How fun and how creative is that!? I love it!
The development of children is supremely important to me, as I believe it is for most of you. As a mommy and as a teacher, I enjoy spending time with them, and learning how to improve that time and help them get he most out of it is great.
I absolutely love the ideas and examples. The author draws from so many great children's books, that even if you work at a Pre-K and have a massive home library like yours truly, you will still need to utilize your local library. (And there is another great way to spend dome quality time with your kiddos!)
For example, there is a reading activity in which the adult reads "Alexander, Who is Not (Do You Hear Me? I Mean It!) Going to Move" by Judith Viorst. The child is anxious about moving, and so the parental notes on the bottom suggest activities that can help make the child feel more confident and even excited about the move. Change is scary! You can overcome the fears together.
There is a fun activity in the crafting area, about how to make a sundial A sundial! How fun and how creative is that!? I love it!
May 28, 2015
If you would love to include your children in your daily activities, if you wonder how to help your children through various situations, if you wish you could say yes when they want to help you cook, Vivian Kirkfield’s book, Show Me How, is the best go-go guide and friend a parent could dream of.
Highly detailed summaries of the recommended picture books are followed by clear advice on implementing the parenting gems gleamed from each book.
Environmentally friendly craft projects from milk carton planters to sock puppets make it simple to spend quality time together, exploring and nurturing your child’s imagination.
With recipes such as homemade pickles, tuna burgers, teddy bear pancakes, and more, parents will love saying “yes!” when children want to help out in the kitchen because Vivian’s healthy recipes include plenty of important steps little hands can help with.
Highly detailed summaries of the recommended picture books are followed by clear advice on implementing the parenting gems gleamed from each book.
Environmentally friendly craft projects from milk carton planters to sock puppets make it simple to spend quality time together, exploring and nurturing your child’s imagination.
With recipes such as homemade pickles, tuna burgers, teddy bear pancakes, and more, parents will love saying “yes!” when children want to help out in the kitchen because Vivian’s healthy recipes include plenty of important steps little hands can help with.
May 31, 2015
Vivian Kirkfield’s SHOW ME HOW! Build Your Child’s Self-esteem through Reading, Crafting and Cooking is filled with hundreds of developmentally appropriate activities for parents, caretakers, and teachers of 2-5 year old children. Each of the six chapters is focused on a crucial aspect of social-emotional development commonly observed during the early childhood years. Kirkfield uses her knowledge of children and children’s literature to help adults understand how to discuss feelings children experience using picture books as their guide. She also provides innovative crafts, and recipes for adults and children to do together to promote positive interaction. As a former educator and educational consultant with experience in parent-teacher training, this book is a resource I would recommend for parents, pre-schools, K-1 classrooms, and those who home-school.
September 22, 2012
This book is a treasure resource for teaching children about literature with hands-on learning. It has over 100 classic children's books each with a description, a Positive Parenting Participation paragraph, coordinating craft and healthy recipe. What a great way for parents, grandparents, child-care providers, and anyone who works with young children to share a love of literature. Child Developmental areas are addressed to help build self-esteem. Show Me How! is a good resource for children with special needs and also for parents who homeschool. I highly recommend this book.
December 15, 2013
If you are serious about your child’s development then every parent, teacher, grandparent should have a copy of this book. What a great learning tool for children. The book provides fun-filled, educational activities for children; it helps your child develop a strong positive self image.
I like the way it lays out its simple and easy to use program to enable parent to build their child’s self-esteem.
http://mymcbooks.wordpress.com/2011/0...
I like the way it lays out its simple and easy to use program to enable parent to build their child’s self-esteem.
http://mymcbooks.wordpress.com/2011/0...
July 24, 2012
A incredible resource for adults who want to increase self esteem in little ones. I like the non preachy/teachy way Vivian gives books, crafts, and cooking activities to match themes that help young ones grow. You can enter to win this book at www.bookwisdombydiane.blogspot.com.
January 9, 2011
Wrote a review with a giveaway of the book here:
http://explodedmoments.wordpress.com/...
Loved it!
http://explodedmoments.wordpress.com/...
Loved it!
February 1, 2019
What a treasure trove! A delightful combination of activities, crafts, recipes and parental advice (and which parent doesn't need a bit of that from time to time?), to accompany well known children's picture books, many of which parents may already have or can borrow from the library.
A lovely resource to bring families closer together.
A lovely resource to bring families closer together.
July 23, 2016
Show Me How by Vivian Kirkfield contains over 200 pages of ideas to help young children learn through stories, crafts, and cooking! This unique combination is aimed at ages 2-5 and the adults who care for them.
Each chapter contains almost 20 activity sets based on classic children’s books. For example, in Chapter One: “I Can Do It Myself!” Kirkfield uses the book Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel to encourage the independence and satisfaction that can come from children’s abilities to work hard by themselves. The suggested craft is to make a collage of pictures of work vehicles cut from old magazines and paste them onto construction paper or poster board. The cooking complement is Child-Friendly Mini Apple Pies. Yum! I have a hunch that these recipes aren’t just for kids!
Other chapters are “I’m Special!”, “I Love You & You Love Me!”, ‘I Am Really Mad Right Now!”, “I’m Afraid!”, “I Like Myself!” and “Tell Me One More Story, Please!” As you can see, this book covers many aspects of a child’s life and development.
If you live or work with young children, you will want to follow and get more great book and children’s activity ideas! I look forward to trying these out with my granddaughter.
Each chapter contains almost 20 activity sets based on classic children’s books. For example, in Chapter One: “I Can Do It Myself!” Kirkfield uses the book Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel to encourage the independence and satisfaction that can come from children’s abilities to work hard by themselves. The suggested craft is to make a collage of pictures of work vehicles cut from old magazines and paste them onto construction paper or poster board. The cooking complement is Child-Friendly Mini Apple Pies. Yum! I have a hunch that these recipes aren’t just for kids!
Other chapters are “I’m Special!”, “I Love You & You Love Me!”, ‘I Am Really Mad Right Now!”, “I’m Afraid!”, “I Like Myself!” and “Tell Me One More Story, Please!” As you can see, this book covers many aspects of a child’s life and development.
If you live or work with young children, you will want to follow and get more great book and children’s activity ideas! I look forward to trying these out with my granddaughter.
July 10, 2015
I believe this well organized book would be a welcome addition to the collection of anyone who works with children aged 2-5. For each of the 100 picture book recommendations, there is a Positive Parental Participation Note suggesting how the book can help build a child’s self-esteem and a space for the reader’s notes. There is also a suggested craft that relates to each book and an easy-to-make recipe that most children will enjoy. Everything related to a specific picture book fits clearly and concisely on two pages for easy reading.
The book is divided into 6 chapters, providing quick access to recommendations for books that inspire specific reinforcements: “I Can Do It Myself,” “I’m Special,” “I Love You and You Love Me,” “I’m Really Mad Right Now!” and “I’m Afraid.” Some of the recommended books are timeless favorites. Others are less familiar to me but intriguing based on the author’s descriptions.
I used some of the suggested activities and recipes during a recent visit by my grandchildren. SHOW ME HOW inspired several hours of fun activities for us. I highly recommend it.
The book is divided into 6 chapters, providing quick access to recommendations for books that inspire specific reinforcements: “I Can Do It Myself,” “I’m Special,” “I Love You and You Love Me,” “I’m Really Mad Right Now!” and “I’m Afraid.” Some of the recommended books are timeless favorites. Others are less familiar to me but intriguing based on the author’s descriptions.
I used some of the suggested activities and recipes during a recent visit by my grandchildren. SHOW ME HOW inspired several hours of fun activities for us. I highly recommend it.
June 26, 2015
Show Me How! Build Your Child’s Self-Esteem Through Reading, Crafting, and Cooking is a classroom manual. Kirkfield’s attention to detail guides adults in delivering effective engagement s with early learners. After poring over the activities, I gained an appreciation for this educational resource. There are fun cooking activities, craft ideas, and an amazing list of picture books. These components work together to show the important role the child plays in the social construct of the family and their learning environment. What a wonderful way to foster self-esteem in our little ones! As a classroom tool, the Positive Parental Participation section allows for documenting anecdotal evidence regarding social- emotional development, recording children’s approach to classroom engagement, as well as responses to open-ended question and answer sessions. This book is simply arranged for easy location of a topic or activity. Yes, this will be the “go to” resource for our school.
June 11, 2015
This is a wonderful resource for anyone who wants to enrich the life of a young child. By using common and popular picture books as the starting point, Kirkfield builds teaching units on topics such as: I Can Do It Myself, I'm Afraid, I'm Special, and more. She addresses early childhood issues using a simple, but effective technique of storytelling, crafts and cooking. This user-friendly format makes it easy for anyone to integrate the lessons into a daily routine. The stories are timeless - Leo The Late Bloomer, The Carrot Seed, The Tale of Peter Rabbit, The Kissing Hand, to name only a few. The crafts are age appropriate and engaging. Recipes are nutritious,easy to prepare and allow for child participation.
This book would make a great shower gift for Parents-to-be, and should be in every Pre-School classroom.
This book would make a great shower gift for Parents-to-be, and should be in every Pre-School classroom.
June 16, 2015
What an amazing resource for parents and teachers alike. This book organizes 100 picture books into six categories- from "I Can Do It Myself" to "I'm Afraid." For each book, My favorite was the entry for "The Kissing Hand" by Audrey Penn. One of my greatest treasures is a handprint cast of my children made when they were 6 months and 3 years old. And thumbprint cookies have always been one of families our favorites. As you can guess, the craft and cooking activity directly tie into the chosen story, extending both the time and opportunity to connect with the child after the book has been shared. In every entry, Ms. Kirkfield supplies a summary of the book, a positive note, an amazing craft, and a healthy recipe. She also leaves the reader a place for their notes of additional ideas, similar titles, etc. What a wonderful gift for a new parent.
January 3, 2019
This is a must have book for every household, library, and classroom! Not only is it filled with amazing picture book recommendations, advice, and recipes BUT in a time where society is so technologically engrossed with devices, Vivian's book brings us back to our roots. Those roots being face to face communication, spending time together, even creating together. Reminding us all of what is important and it all starts with love and a great book, or two or three or more!!!
September 8, 2015
I LOVE this book! A friend of mine introduced this book to me, and I've found it to be a wonderful parenting resource for building your child's self-esteem. Each chapter has a particular focus, whether it's mastering tasks and skills, expressing feelings, coping with fears, etc. and it matches a picture book, craft and cooking activity to go along with that focus. I love the hands-on intuitive approach of this book. It's also a great book for when you need to come up with an activity on a rainy day. Could not recommend it more.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews