The Mini Notebook - A Perfect Student & Children's Computer

Mini notebook computers, which are also called mini netbooks, may be seen all over at the moment, even in a lot of classrooms. It might seem that the mini laptop has materialized and turned out to be the most prevalent variety of pc effectively straight away. The novel mini laptop computer gives maximum functionality contained in an exceedingly condensed profile.

Screen Size

The lone objection certain purchasers state with these mini notebook computers is the miniature screen size however it changes depending to some amount on the version and make that you pay money for. Right away, there will be selected makes on the market that include bigger screen sizes whilst maintaining the condensed size. These minis are also lightweight and easily portable, with nearly all tipping the scales at a little more than a pound to about three pounds with screen sizes varying from seven to ten inches. Should you have already seen a mini laptop computer it follows that you will already understand how appealing these little laptops are. Most industry professionals already have one of these mini notebook computers. Professionals like them because of the condensed size and their functionality.

The Mini Notebook - A Perfect Student & Children's Computer

Price

Mini notebook computers have become inexpensive especially once compared with ordinary laptop computers. Because these minis are much smaller, the price of production is cut, and so the cheaper purchase price. This has made the existing mini notebooks an instantaneous hit particularly with the current economic climate. There are currently brands to buy that exhibit a similar purchase price to a modern cellular phone. With compelling and innovative knowledge all contained in such a small package, the mini notebook computer has captured the attention of knowledge aware folks everywhere. Even though lesser in size, the functionality of the mini laptop has not been sacrificed. Speedy hard disk drives, contemporary processors, together with a realistically sized keyboard are now available features with mini laptop computers. Access to contemporary expertise for our children must be an absolute necessity. But, the price of computers can be so excessive that many parents may be unable to purchase a normal pc. Using the option of the mini notebook, virtually everyone can now enjoy the benefits of online access.

For Children & Students

Laptop computers for school children ought to be lightweight, easily portable and durable with a condensed size that will definitely squeeze into their bag. Moreover, think about the functionality of the laptop computer. If your pc is to be made use of in the college or a distance from your home frequently, then assess the length of the battery life. The perfect laptop computer has to hold a rechargeable battery that will work for a few hours without charging up. In addition, ensure that the computer will have an satisfactory wireless connection, as the web has nowadays developed into the most useful means to educate. Another feature to include when selecting your student pc may be that you will require a piece of word processing software to write and edit your assignments. The normal version of Microsoft Office will probably be sufficient for nearly all of your requirements, but, whenever you mean to do any type of slide-show presentations or website construction, you will most likely want to purchase Office Pro.

When you need a really discounted pc, in that case you possibly will think about looking for a refurbished laptop and not a new one. There are various benefits to doing this but the huge one will be the low purchase price. An extra advantage that a large amount of purchasers will disregard is the fact that a refurbished laptop will have been already screened for defects, at the same time as someone else will have been making use of it.

Now, buying first-rate, inexpensive laptop computers for school children is possible if you discover one of the hosts of locations that there will be refurbished laptop computers to be had. If you're on a budget, as on the whole college students will be, you should save a lot of cash by buying carefully. But, purchasing a reduced pc might result in going for something shoddy. When you're investing a lot of money for an education, you may need to also supply the best technology in the form of a first-rate laptop computer which should keep going several years. So now have this in your thoughts as you buy that perfect student laptop computer.

An extra reason these mini notebooks are the 'just what the doctor ordered' student laptop computers is their wallet friendly price. A lot of college students are as a rule on a strict budget and these mini laptops are a seamless match. Most first-rate mini notebooks are nowadays priced in the 0 to 0 price range, whilst many other entirely passable ones go for well below 0. In addition, price tickets are now constantly falling, so virtually any student can nowadays buy a mini laptop.

Where To Find A Deal

Firstly you may take a look at one of the inexpensive laptop computers offered from all of the foremost computer designers. The majority will have varieties that will supply the components college students require, but also with a lower cost. These inexpensive laptop computers may not include some desirable software, but initially for nearly all college students, these uncomplicated laptop computers are spot on. Most may even incorporate gigantic hard disk storage space and modern cases. It is thought that during next year most computer manufacturers should be able to sell mini notebook computers for less than 0. These designers also expect to drop their weight to under a pound. Whether you mean to send e-mail, make videos, keep in touch, or simply use the net, mini notebook computers are innovative even before having these measures.

Shouldn't Replace A Normal Computer

You must understand however, that these mini notebooks aren't planned to supplant the PC. Whilst mini notebook computers are getting better, many makes are still finding it challenging to squeeze the quick functionality together with the great memory on the market into such condensed pieces. As a result, most mini laptop computers are not as efficient as a normal laptop computer. Mini notebook computers, however, can be modified and improved to suit the requirements of the consumer. There will be various admirable mini laptop options these days. The laptop manufacturers like Asus, Hewlett Packard, Apple, and others provide a extensive array of features and makes. When you're looking for a capable computer, you'll absolutely want to have a good look at these mini notebooks.

An extra grounds for acquiring a mini laptop is the array of options they confer. The best habitually have 3 USB ports together with many internet options. Unlike hand held devices, that may cost just as much or even more. Mini notebook computers allow a more potent processor, extra memory together with improved desirable software options.

Safety

Possibly, one of your top priorities while selecting laptop computers for school children ought to be theft. You may at the moment find many different anti-theft extras as fingerprint entry and maybe even receive facial recognizing software within some of the brand new laptop computers. You can also purchase a useful cable lock which will keep the computer a little safer. In addition, you could assess anti-theft software as LoJack which is able to follow and trace your stolen computer with the unique IP identification whenever it is made use of to connect to the web.

The Mini Notebook - A Perfect Student & Children's Computer
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Paul B has loved using his mini notebook for school and has even written a mini notebook guide to help people find that perfect computer.

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8 Tips For Decorating A Small Bedroom

When decorating a small bedroom then it makes sense wherever possible to conserve the floor space you have in order to make a cramped room feel larger than it really is. Below are some small bedroom decorating ideas which should help you to achieve the right result for such a small space.

1. If you do not have enough space in the room for small bedside table then why not place a wall mounted shelf next to the bed. It will have enough space on it to place an alarm clock, books, photos and other items which will personalize the space for you.

2. If you do not have the room for a bureau or closet then use under bed storage instead. They can either be made from inexpensive plastic or if you wish you can have some made to order from wood. But it is important that you have enough space beside the bed so that you can pull them out when you need access to them.

8 Tips For Decorating A Small Bedroom

3. For those of you who want to watch a little TV before going to sleep then fit either a wall or ceiling mounted TV stand. You will be able to purchase one in any good DIY store or store that specializes in storage products.

4. The colours that you use on your walls in a small bedroom should be neutral tones and only 2 or 3 hues of this colour should be used in the room. It is important that you paint the moldings and doors in the room in the same colours as the walls by using contrasting colours you will be making the room feel smaller than it is. The ceilings should be painted white as they will provide a sense of height to the room.

5. The furniture for such a room should be clean lined and have small delicate patterns on it which will help to foster the illusion of space.

6. Open up the room by maximizing any views that it may have of the outdoors by using light fabrics or blinds at the windows.

7. Ensure that the room is well illuminated as this will also provide a sense of space in such a small room.

8. If you are able to add a mirror in a position opposite a natural form of light as this will help to provide further light into a room and therefore create the illusion of space.

Hopefully the small bedroom decorating ideas that have been provided above will help to create the haven of peace and tranquility that you are looking for in such a confined space.

8 Tips For Decorating A Small Bedroom
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Lee Dobbins writes on many topics including bedroom decorating. Please visit Bedroom-Designs-And-Decorations.com to get more tips on decorating your bedroom.

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Types of Cyber Bullying & Examples of Cyber Bullying

Cyber Bullying can be accomplished in many different forms using modern technology. Although it is usually performed over the internet it can also use cell phones as a vehicle.

Internet harassment is one of the major risks to our children online. The results can be fatal with suicides resulting from the abuse occurring daily.

Let's go over some of the types of Cyber Bullying and some examples of Cyber Bullying your child might experience.

Types of Cyber Bullying & Examples of Cyber Bullying

* Cyber Stalking - The transmission of messages to intimidate and or threaten the victim resulting in a child to have concerns about their personal safety and well being.

* Degradation - This would be the use of rumors and unfounded gossip in an attempt to break up the friendships the victim might have with others or to damage the kid's reputation.

* Harassment - This is the constant and unrelenting sending of offensive, insulting, rude and harassing messages over the internet or cell phone to the Cyber Bullying Victim.

* Impersonation - The taking on of a false identity pretending to be the victim and send or posts material to damage the child's reputation or get them into trouble.

* Flaming - This a very aggressive and abrasive form of intimidation used by the aggressor using vulgar and angry language with the intent to start fights with the teenager or preteen.

* Text Messaging - This is where they enlists friends to help send thousands of messages to the victim's cell phone running up their phone bill and getting them into trouble with parents.

* Password Theft - Gaining access to the child's passwords used on the internet and uses it to log into the sites the child has and locks them out, also allowing other to hack the account.

* Web Sites - The creation of web sites and/or pages filled with images, rumors, statements, and/or defamatory remarks to further humiliate and cause emotional distress for the victim.

* Images or Photos - The posting of photos or images that are found that might be embarrassing in nature or the creation or altering of images to depict the boy or girl and cause humiliation.

* PC Attack - Our children are very skilled in computer technology. Many can and have used to Cyber Bully another the sending of viruses, a Trojan and/or spyware to infect the boy's or girl's computer.

* Proxy Attack - It is not unusual for them to enlist their friends to assist them in the dirty work and to "join in on the fun" to further the humiliation and emotional damage caused the victim.

The types of Cyber Bullying listed above are a serious threat to your son or daughter. It is shown in surveys that one out of every three children are victims of this form on internet danger.

Our kids are reluctant to tell us when this occurs.

Types of Cyber Bullying & Examples of Cyber Bullying
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I have written a detailed report on the subject of Cyber Bullycide Victims

Please read it to find out how to protect your children from Cyber-Bullying!

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Kids' Book Reviews By Kids: How to Write a Children's Book Review You Think Other Kids Will Like

You probably have to write book reviews in school. When I was a kid, I used to hate to write them. But now I use book reviews that other people have written all the time. They help me to decide which books I want to read next. So if you're a kid and you have to write a book review, here is how to write one about a book you think other kids will like.

Actually, it doesn't have to be about a book you really like. Negative reviews are helpful too. Sometimes a book you don't like is still a great book, just not for you. Another kid with other interests might find that book perfect for them. So write your book review anyway.

Here are some things you must include in your book review:

Kids' Book Reviews By Kids: How to Write a Children's Book Review You Think Other Kids Will Like

Title

Be sure to get the correct and complete title for the book you are reviewing. Sometimes series of books have parts of the titles that are the same, and parts that are different. If you don't include the whole title, another kid might read your review and get the wrong book to read.

For example, you probably know about Diary of a Wimpy Kid, by Jeff Kinney. But if you are reviewing one of the later books in the series, you must be sure to include the whole title, like this: Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Ugly Truth (Book 5.)

Author

You probably hate it when people say or spell your name wrong. I bet the authors of the books you are reading feel exactly the same way!

Be sure to spell the author's name correctly. Check and double check it in your report.

Recommended ages or grades

You might read a funny book but know it is too hard for your younger sister to read. So include the ages you think would be able to enjoy the book.

You can say something like, "Recommended for 4th and 5th graders." Or something like, "I'm 10, but I usually read books that are much harder than what we are supposed to be reading in school. So I think this would be better for sixth or seventh graders."

Summary of the story

Give a brief description of the main things that happen in the beginning of the story, or the beginning and middle. But be sure not to give away the ending, especially if there is something really surprising that happens.

Here are other things you might want to include in your book review:

Something you really enjoyed

If you thought the book was funny, say so. If you thought it was exciting or scary, and you love adventure, mention that.

Something you didn't like about the book

Maybe the beginning is really good, but the ending is boring. Perhaps the book seemed too scary for kids, or it gave you nightmares. You can warn others about that.

Other similar books

Compare the book you are reviewing to other similar books. That way, kids can get a better idea if it might be something they would like to read.

Others who might enjoy the book

Say what kind of kids you think might like the book. For example, "If you love to read books about spies or adventure, you will enjoy the Alex Rider book series." Or, "If you like books about witches that are not too scary, you might enjoy "Which Witch?" by Eva Ibbotson.

Recommend other books or authors

It's a lot of fun to find a whole bunch of books by another author that you didn't even know about. So you can mention other authors with books like the one you are reviewing. Or you can suggest other books that are similar to this one, that other kids might also enjoy reading.

Think about the kids who will be reading your book review. Use some of these tips I've given you when you write. If you do, you will be able to write kids' book reviews and help other children by sharing your love of reading and great books.

Kids' Book Reviews By Kids: How to Write a Children's Book Review You Think Other Kids Will Like
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I want kids' book reviews by kids!
If you want to write a review about great books for kids, I will put it on my site at http://greatbooksforkids.info. You can also read about other books I think you might enjoy.

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Nerve Injuries & Nerve Damage Treatment: Energy Healing for Restoring Nerves & Peripheal Neuropathy

Nerve Injuries & Nerve damage Treatment: Energy Healing for Restoring Nerve Disease, Nerve Disorders & Peripheral Neuropathy

Whether you have a pinched or severed nerve, sciatica, peripheral neuropathy, diabetic neuropathy symptoms, stroke or brain damage, a nerve injury creating paralysis, or any loss of physical sensation or movement, nerve damage is an annoying and dehabilitating chronic condition that can benefit from energy healing.

Dr Robert Becker in his book "the Body Electric" was a pioneer in discovering that electromagnet impulses could regenerate neural pathways and restore nerve function. Directed electromagnetic impulses can re establish muscular movement through electrical current stimulation. According to CBC News, "The functional electrical stimulation rowing machine, developed by researchers in Edmonton and England, helps people with disabilities (paraplegics and others) enjoy the benefits of regular exercise." Christopher Reeves used electrical muscle stimulation on his legs to prevent atrophy and within his diaphragm to encourage breathing movement and maintain lung function. Even the acute pain exacerbated by nerve injury is relieved with focused electrical impulses. TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) machines deliver small electrical pulses to the body via electrodes and has widespread clinical use for pain relief from nerve damage.

Nerve Injuries & Nerve Damage Treatment: Energy Healing for Restoring Nerves & Peripheal Neuropathy

Energy Healing is a form of electromagnetic stimulation. According to James L Oschman, "Healing energy, whether produced by a medical device or projected from the human body, is energy of a particular frequency or set of frequencies that stimulates the repair of one or more tissues." Energy healing directed by a healer focuses electromagnetic energy stimulation into the energy field and physical body of the client. This transfer of directed electromagnetic frequency stimulation affects the clients cellular molecular system and the "cascade of activities initiated by such signals may provide essential information to cells and tissues, and open channels for the flow of information that coordinates repair processes and for restoring normal function after trauma." Energy Healing is non-invasive and there are no clinically documented adverse events in existing literature.

The table below, demonstrating the electromagnetic frequency used for restoration is taken from Sisken & Walker in 1995.

Table 1

Healing effects of specific frequencies (frequency windows of specificity)

Frequency Effects
2 Hz Nerve regeneration, neurite outgrowth from cultured ganglia
7 Hz Bone growth
10 Hz Ligament healing
15, 20, 72 Hz Decreased skin necrosis, stimulation of capillary formation & fibroblast proliferation
25 and 50 Hz Synergistic effects with nerve growth factor

Today medical research has confirmed that the application of directed therapeutic electromagnetic energy fields 'can convert a stalled healing process into active repair, even in patients unhealed for as long as 40 years' (Bassett 1995). The mechanism by which 'active repair' is initiated probably involves both activation of specific cellular activities and the opening of the channels or circuitry for the natural biological communications required for initiating and coordinating injury repair through the focused electrical impulse stimulation inherent in energy healing. The independent case study research data: INTENSIVE HEALING FOCUS: Paralyzed dog's spinal cord nerves, discs and vertebra regenerated published in Dr. Daniel Benor's The International Journal of Healing and Caring illustrates the benefits of healing energy in traumatic nerve injury.

As a medical intuitive and distance energy healer, research continuously confirms the evidence based healing abilities of electromagnetic impulse energy healing.
Traditional procedures and treatments will eventually merge with what we now call alternative medicine, to become the " integrative medicine" of the future. At that time, each client will derive a greater benefit from all healing modalities that are available to them.

Feel free to reprint this article in its original format.

Contact Information:

Brent Atwater, Alternative Medical Specialist

Medical Intuitive, Distance Energy Healing

ATL, GA Phone: 404.242.9022 USA

NC Phone: 910.692.5206 USA

Website: http://www.brentatwater.com

Email: mailto:Brent@BrentAtwater.com

Disclaimer: Brent Atwater is not a medical doctor or associated with any branch of medicine. Brent works in Alternative & Integrative Medicine. She offers her opinions based on her intuition, and her personal energy healing work, which is not a substitute for medical procedures or treatments. Always consult a physician or trained health care professional concerning any medical problem or condition before undertaking any diet, health related or lifestyle change programs. As in traditional medicine, there are no guarantees with medical intuition or energy work.

Nerve Injuries & Nerve Damage Treatment: Energy Healing for Restoring Nerves & Peripheal Neuropathy
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Brent Atwater: Medical Intuitive, Distant Healing: An alternative & integrative medical specialist (CAM), Brent's international evidence based Medical Intuitive & Distance Energy Healing work is published and has been studied by & or documented at Duke, the ARE, & for animals by the NCSU's Vet school. She participates in research & Clinical trials. ARTIST: An artist 30+yrs, Brent is a pioneer in healing art by scientifically documenting Paintings that Heal™. Her art was featured on "PBS". At 16, NC Museum of Art chose her painting for the permanent collection. She founded Just Plain Love™ Charitable Trust to benefit children. AUTHOR: Just Plain Love™ Children's Healing Books. The books are translated into plays performed in children's healthcare facilities turning illness negatives into positives. "Cancer Kids, God's Special Children". "Positive Attitudes, Affirmations, & Actions for Overcoming Your Health Challenges", & "Positive Attitudes, Affirmations & Actions to Help Survive Your Cancer Experience". Brent attended Wake Forest Law School and is a minister.

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How Does Play Help Children's Development?

In this article I will introduce my personal definition of play, but acknowledge that play is basically indefinable because it is so vast and variable. I examine free flow play and the obstacles to play, and the purpose and value of play. I examine one small group of students working definition of play as a developmental tool that helps children develop holistically and other aspects of our definition, ie a developmental journey, play being accessible to all, and the aspect of fun and enjoyment in play. Alongside this, this article examines structured and unstructured play, including theorists views and I include some of my own observations and examine the play content in them.

Before I extend on group's definition of play, I would like to state my own theory about play, and explain what I mean stressing again, that play is basically indefinable because of its flexible and vast nature.

My theory is that play is fluid. It can take many forms, have many meanings, express itself in many ways, but it cannot be contained in a box or shape and labelled as 'play'. If play is taken out of one context and into another it changes its shape and purpose, and the way it moves and performs. All of it is play in its many facets, and all of it is of equal value, because it meets the differing needs of the child at the time it is being played.

How Does Play Help Children's Development?

Play is fluid so therefore cannot be defined purely as one aspect or another, and as water is fluid, so is play - it changes its shape to its environment, circumstances and players, taking on different forms, expressions and meanings to the players concerned. It has intrinsic meaning to the children and may change direction at any moment, according to the children's needs and personality etc. Bruce verifies that play is like fluid and free-flowing,

She stated: "the whole point about play is that it cannot be pinned down. It flows. It is on the move." (Bruce 2004:154)

Free-flowing play can be limited by obstacles such as time, adults, relationships, routines, outcomes, interferences, circumstances, environment, or disability, and may not flow in the natural direction a child may wish to take it if limited by any of the above obstacles. However, because play is fluid, it can continue where it was left, or be restarted and flow in entirely different direction if obstacles do not restrict play.

Props may be used during free flow play which then takes on a symbolic characteristic, and children may engage in role play or socio-dramatic, plus rough and tumble, all rolled up into one, making it difficult to untangle and define! Children do not need adults to direct free-flow or fluid play, only to keep them safe from harming themselves or harming others. This may be viewed as an obstacle by children (and so it is) but as long as adults are not being 'over-protective' or 'over-restrictive' and children understand the need for safety rules (they tend to like rules in play anyway!) then the

obstacle or interruption is only a temporary obstacle, that children can overcome and move one, because their play is flexible and fluid.

The purpose or value of play, as mentioned is intrinsic to the child and players and appears to be part of children's developmental journey. Bruce (2004:149) describes play as a process with no productive end. Play helps children develop in a holistic way, developing their social interactions, language skills, co-operation, understanding of how the world works, and personal, social and emotional development. Play is a tool that brings knowledge and experiences together. Vygotsky viewed play as a vehicle (or tool) for social interaction. Bruner believed roleplay was a vehicle (or tool) for learning about society's rules and conventions. Piaget believed play unifies children's experiences, knowledge and experience. Frobel, Steiner, and Issacs were the biggest advocates of holistic development. Frobel believed learning and development is holistic, involving the child, other adults and the environment, and that childhood is a stage in it's own right. Steiner based his principles on Frobels and developed a programme involving

play. Issacs believed play was central to the overall development of the child.

Play is as an important of children's developmental journey - it becomes a tool by which children learn to develop in a holistic manner, it enables them to understand themselves, other people, their community and the world around them. Play also enables children to act out experiences, past and present, and enter into fantasy worlds. Bruner believed that play is process-led rather than task orientated, but also believed it prepares children for adulthood. (Fisher 1996:97) We are all on a lifelong journey and the journey, and the journey for me may be different to your journey. We may start at the same place, but go in different directions, and we may meet again but be different people, because life (and play, as part of that process) shapes the people and character we become. The journey of developing and learning is a long, slow, and ongoing process throughout life - a developmental journey which starts at birth and finishes at death, and play in its many fluid forms, becomes part of the process.

If play is structured, directed or initiated by adults, play takes on a different role. If play has a goal, target or outcome for a child to achieve, often children do not view this type of play as play, but as work.... they view

work as teacher-directed and play as choice, sitting down as working, and being active as playing (Wood & Attfield, 2005:17). However, a divide between play and work cannot easily be made. Children learn in and through play, whether it is teacher initiated or child initiated. Frobel, Steiner, Issacs, Piaget believed play should not be directed. Miss Boyce believed in a mixed approach, including free flow play and a more structured timetable for teacher-directed sessions. Montessori, demonstrated skills to children and did not believe in freeplay. Brunner saw play as a process but also believed adults need to scaffold children's experiences in order to help them progress to the next stage, as did Vygotsky, who advocated adults working alongside children to build on / scaffold their understanding to move them onto the next stage. McMillian also believed in a structured environment that was planned to support children's needs, and which integrated subjects such as maths, science and literacy.

Whether play is adult led or child led, children will learn many skills through play such as; co-operation, negotiation, other people's views, social skills, language skills, fine and gross motor skills may improve and other skills may

be mastered, thinking and cognitive skills are used and improved, so therefore children will learn through play whether there is an intended outcome or not! My own observations of children's play confirmed this. Children learned through many different types of play, structured and unstructured. Structured play helped children develop more in the cognitive realm whereas unstructured play helped children develop more in the creative, language, physical and personal/social realm.

If they do meet the outcomes (which they should do if the resources, processes and intensions are aimed at the right level...) then this is an added bonus! If planned and resourced correctly by practitioners, play can help children meet targets within the Foundation Stage or Key stage 1, covering all aspects of the curriculum from Personal, social and emotional development through to creative development.

Adults can improve the quality of children's play by providing a rich variety of resources, and well planned structured play, indoors and out, needs sensitive scaffolding for children to progress or learn new skills and knowledge. Adults also need to provide plenty of free flow play, and time

to complete tasks. If adults aim to intervene as little as possible in free play, this will provide a better outcome for children.

In structured play the teacher/adult has used play as a 'tool' (others call it a vehicle or medium) but may not be viewed as play in its purest form. Play cannot be categorized into 'play' or 'not play' (because play is fluid and takes many forms) but may be better defined as 'more pure play' or 'less pure play'' (Wood & Attfield 2005:4-5) Wood and Attfield further define pure play as unstructured, active, fun, a process, pretend, child invented and child-chosen. Linden states, "Circumstances can prevent or restrict play. Constraints may be placed by adults or the environment limits children's experiences. Alternatively, developmental problems, disability or illness can shape the possibilities for children." Play may be hampered (children may have obstacles to play) if they have any form of disability or cultural, language, social or economic differences. Children (like adults) tend to be exclusive, uncertain about things or people they don't understand or are not like them, unless they are informed/educated that all children have an equal right to play and should be granted access and opportunities to play.

Children need adults to be good role models demonstrating equality by provision and adaptability to children's needs. Children need adults to provide different types of play or different ways of playing, so that children can access it. Some children may need more adult support to access play, especially if there is some form of disability or complex needs. These children may access play differently, but all children have the same right to develop in a holistic way that all children do. All children need the 'tool' of play for their own development; because play is fluid, the way the tool is used may be different.

I observed a young boy (of about 8 years old) and other children aged between 6-10 years in a social club setting. All the children, except the little boy of 8, were engaged in locomotive play. They were chasing, tickling, rolling, dancing etc throughout the night, mainly in small groups of children. The play looked chaotic but was not out of place in the setting. The adults observed this play and did not intervene. The children appeared

to have no purpose or intension but to enjoy themselves, and the value to them was in participating in the fun, making up games and dances, enjoying social activities together and passing time in an enjoyable way.

The other little boy of 8 however, did not join in any of the play, he merely acknowledged the other children. Instead of playing with the other children, this little boy stood in front of the band that was performing, and appeared to be conducting them (using a toy), virtually all night. He was engrossed in his play/work. Later on when the band had a break, he circled around the

hall floor, (walking on his toes) making 'car-like' movements. At this point the boy may have been involved in role play. However, his first play was very difficult to understand (possibly role play or practice play?) This little boy appeared to have special needs along the line of Asperger's syndrome (noted from previous study and personal experience) I suspected Asperger's syndrome because he did not communicate with the other children, contact them, play alongside them, or join in their play. When they came near him once during locomotive play, he visible repelled / moved himself clearly out of their way. He couldn't or didn't access any type of social, co-operative or

parallel play, but preferred his own solitary activity and the type of play he engaged in was repetitive. Although his play didn't make sense to me, it was meaningful to him. He appeared to believe he was truly directing the band (though they ignored him and continued their performance) however he was engrossed in roleplay or practice play and appeared to enjoy what he was doing. His play was intrinsically valuable to him and he had as much right to play in this way as the other children had to play in their way. Linden Stated "Play stems from children's own perception of the world and how it works... play is a very personal, creative activity... within children's understanding, their play is meaningful in it connection to non-play reality. (2000:43).

I also observed other types of play in other settings with younger children. The type of play I observed included socio-dramatic (2-3 year olds involved in playing with dolls, prams and accessories, going shopping etc); exploratory play (2-3 year olds exploring playdough and cutters, moulding, shaping, cutting etc); creative play - free painting, mixing paints, making patterns and pictures and epistemic play (2-6 year olds involved in table top games,

including sounds game, snakes & ladders and alphabet jigsaw). The learning processes during these observations was vast, from social skills, co-operation and concentration to language skills, physical skills, fine motor skills, mathematic skills, creative skills to cognitive skills, being used, extended and enhanced in play to the benefit of the child/ren concerned.

Play however, is not just a tool that enables development, play in itself is fun and has value in itself. Play is as valuable to the child as work is to adults. Fisher (96:103) stated "Play has its own intrinsic rewards, it is done spontaneously and voluntary and it is thoroughly enjoyable." If play is self-chosen, self-motivated and directed, then it can only be enjoyable. Theorists such as Lazarus and Garvey hold this view; indeed children would not engage in play so readily if it were not so! Linden (2001:44) stated, "children play for play's sake. The activity is an end in itself and is not undertaken for an end product."

Conclusion

In this article I have stated my theory of play as being fluid, and other aspects or definitions of play and its value in children's development. Included in this are some theorist's views of play, and observations of children's play and what they are gaining from it, noting however, that defining play in all its elements, is very difficult! Play has many facets and functions it is impossible for one or two statements to adequately state what play is or does and many theorists hold differing views, reflecting this difficulty.

Play has become a tool in the Early Years sector and education and it is key to understanding how children think and feel. It has become clearer to me that play is crucial to children's social and emotional development, and other aspects such as language skills, cognitive skills and understanding the world in which they live. It has also become clearer to me that the least amount of time adults intervene in children's play, the better! (Though of course there is a time when structured play is appropriate). Play is enjoyable and motivating and a tool that develops children holistically and plays is fluid in that it fulfils many different roles that aids children in their developmental journey.

http://childsworld.info

How Does Play Help Children's Development?
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Ruth Grigg

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Heroes Are Made Not Born - Summerland by Michael Chabon - Book Review

Heroes have often been born from unlikely mold. From four ordinary children entering a wardrobe, two hobbits carrying an object of great evil, to the emerging of a certain orphan with a scar -these literary figures have proved one thing. Heroes are made not born.

It is then the task given, destined to you that ultimately changes you. Great tasks beget great heroes. It is this very essence that allows a person to strive to become more than what he already is, to go beyond his boundaries. Joseph Campbell said that a hero is someone who has done something beyond the normal range of achievement. And what greater achievement to create a heroic figure than that of saving a world? This is The Quest few have been chosen to embark on. And one of them is Ethan Feld.

Ethan was one of those boys who calls himself a failure at the baseball plate. But when his father is abducted and the Four Worlds are threatened by an ancient cunning figure, he is called upon to stop the end of the world. And he does this by playing baseball.

Heroes Are Made Not Born - Summerland by Michael Chabon - Book Review

No doubt, Summerland would have fit right into the typical recipe of an archetypal quest -get the chosen one, chosen one gathers band of companions, chosen one and crew encounter the bad guy, defeat him and save the world. If not for this significant element -baseball. Ethan and his group (ranging from a tiny giant to an even tinier Indian) slug through the Worlds, overcoming obstacles with their bats and mitts.

Yet Summerland is more than just a fantasy tale about this game. It is a big Tree of stories whose multitude of branches embrace the myths of all ages. Summerland is sprinkled with mythical allusions and archetypes who soon evolved into characters each memorable and unique in their own way. Chabon has created a rich tapestry of mythology that stands on its own. By the end of the story as Ethan and his motley crew struggle to save the Big Tree of Life, they realized they gained something equally precious along the way -that of finding true strength within themselves.

Heroes Are Made Not Born - Summerland by Michael Chabon - Book Review
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You want to be a writer but don't know where to start? Want to read the ups and downs in the process? I'm a college lecturer who's finally decided to stop wishing and start doing. Join me in my writing journey in my blog, Live Out of the Box where I pursue my dreams, fall flat on my face and get up so many times and continue to experiment living life to the fullest.

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