Source: Northwestern University
Date: March 13, 2007
More on: Acoustics, Language Acquisition, Perception, Child Development, Intelligence, Neuroscience
Science Daily — A newly published study by Northwestern University researchers suggests that Mom was right when she insisted that you continue music lessons -- even after it was clear that a professional music career was not in your future.
The study, which will appear in the April issue of Nature Neuroscience, is the first to provide concrete evidence that playing a musical instrument significantly enhances the brainstem's sensitivity to speech sounds. This finding has broad implications because it applies to sound encoding skills involved not only in music but also in language.
The findings indicate that experience with music at a young age in effect can "fine-tune" the brain's auditory system. "Increasing music experience appears to benefit all children -- whether musically exceptional or not -- in a wide range of learning activities," says Nina Kraus, director of Northwestern's Auditory Neuroscience Laboratory and senior author of the study.
"Our findings underscore the pervasive impact of musical training on neurological development. Yet music classes are often among the first to be cut when school budgets get tight. That's a mistake," says Kraus, Hugh Knowles Professor of Neurobiology and Physiology and professor of communication sciences and disorders.
"Our study is the first to ask whether enhancing the sound environment -- in this case with musical training -- will positively affect the way an individual encodes sound even at a level as basic as the brainstem," says Patrick Wong, primary author of "Musical Experience Shapes Human Brainstem Encoding of Linguistic Pitch Patterns." An old structure from an evolutionary standpoint, the brainstem once was thought to only play a passive role in auditory processing.
Using a novel experimental design, the researchers presented the Mandarin word "mi" to 20 adults as they watched a movie. Half had at least six years of musical instrument training starting before the age of 12. The other half had minimal (less than 2 years) or no musical training. All were native English speakers with no knowledge of Mandarin, a tone language.
In tone languages, a single word can differ in meaning depending on pitch patterns called "tones." For example, the Mandarin word "mi" delivered in a level tone means "to squint," in a rising tone means "to bewilder," and in a dipping (falling then rising) tone means "rice." English, on the other hand, only uses pitch to reflect intonation (as when rising pitch is used in questions).
As the subjects watched the movie, the researchers used electrophysiological methods to measure and graph the accuracy of their brainstem ability to track the three differently pitched "mi" sounds.
"Even with their attention focused on the movie and though the sounds had no linguistic or musical meaning for them, we found our musically trained subjects were far better at tracking the three different tones than the non-musicians," says Wong, director of Northwestern's Speech Research Laboratory and assistant professor of communication sciences and disorders.
The research by co-authors Wong, Kraus, Erika Skoe, Nicole Russo and Tasha Dees represents a new way of defining the relationship between the brainstem -- a lower order brain structure thought to be unchangeable and uninvolved in complex processing -- and the neocortex, a higher order brain structure associated with music, language and other complex processing.
These findings are in line with previous studies by Wong and his group suggesting that musical experience can improve one's ability to learn tone languages in adulthood and level of musical experience plays a role in the degree of activation in the auditory cortex. Wong also is a faculty member in Northwestern's Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program.
The findings also are consistent with studies by Kraus and her research team that have revealed anomalies in brainstem sound encoding in some children with learning disabilities which can be improved by auditory training.
"We've found that by playing music -- an action thought of as a function of the neocortex -- a person may actually be tuning the brainstem," says Kraus. "This suggests that the relationship between the brainstem and neocortex is a dynamic and reciprocal one and tells us that our basic sensory circuitry is more malleable than we previously thought."
Overall, the findings assist in unfolding new lines of inquiry. The researchers now are looking to find ways to "train" the brain to better encode sound -- work that potentially has far-reaching educational and clinical implications. The study was supported by Northwestern University, grants from the National Institutes of Health and a grant from the National Science Foundation.
Note: This story has been adapted from a news release issued by Northwestern University.
Copyright © 1995-2007 ScienceDaily LLC
http://www.disdcoverytoyslink.com/michelemarchetti
Friday, July 27, 2007
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Toy Recommendations Based on Your Needs!
Discovery Toys extensive line of educational toys provides for children. Here are some recommended toys. Please email me to answer your toy questions and make any recommendations you desire!
Hearing Skills:
Curly & Pals
Early Twirly
Rolling Reflections
Sunny Sounds
Sonic Sounds
Sounds Like Fun CD
Social Skills:
6 in 1 Play Center
AB Seas
A to Z Jr.
Animal Twins
Hoppity Pop
Net Catch
Zip Track Rally
Communication Skills:
Baby Signs
Build a Book
One Upon a Time
Shiny, Touchy, Smelly
Opposite Pairs
Zingo
Wiz Kidz
Balance & Coordination:
Light Up Lady Bug
Castle Marbleworks
Tangiball
Hammer Away
Balance Buddies
Reading Readiness:
Giant Pegboard
Busy Bugs
ABC Box
www.discoverytoyslink.com/michelemarchetti
Hearing Skills:
Curly & Pals
Early Twirly
Rolling Reflections
Sunny Sounds
Sonic Sounds
Sounds Like Fun CD
Social Skills:
6 in 1 Play Center
AB Seas
A to Z Jr.
Animal Twins
Hoppity Pop
Net Catch
Zip Track Rally
Communication Skills:
Baby Signs
Build a Book
One Upon a Time
Shiny, Touchy, Smelly
Opposite Pairs
Zingo
Wiz Kidz
Balance & Coordination:
Light Up Lady Bug
Castle Marbleworks
Tangiball
Hammer Away
Balance Buddies
Reading Readiness:
Giant Pegboard
Busy Bugs
ABC Box
www.discoverytoyslink.com/michelemarchetti
The Benefits of Music to Your Children!
Discovery Toys offers an extensive line of musical and movement products, Do-Re-Me and You. This line, designed by Kindermusik is AWESOME!!!! Each set has a book and CD with over 60 minutes of music. Some sets also include
Here is great information about the value of music. I got all these facts from www.tesh.com
Studies show that learning to play an instrument has significant long-term benefits for kids. Researchers at the University of California found that kids who took music lessons scored 27% higher on math tests, and 57 points higher on the SAT's verbal section. So why are the musically inclined a bit brainier? Because, according to Canada's McMaster University, learning to play an instrument develops the reasoning and spatial centers in the brain. Music also maximizes brain development in the areas related to language and social skills.
To prove the point, a comprehensive series of skill tests were done on 5-thousand 5th graders. And in every single test area, kids who were learning to play a musical instrument received higher marks than their classmates. And the longer they had been studying music, the higher they scored. The American Music Conference reports that kids who play an instrument are 52 percent more likely to go on to college than non-music makers. And kids who play music watch less TV and are more optimistic. So here's how to get your kids hooked on music. I found this in Prevention magazine.
Be sure to start early. Young kids are fascinated with sound, and as they hear new instruments and rhythms, it sparks the connections between their brain cells, helping them learn faster. So, sign your preschooler up for a music and movement class.
Also, if your child is outgoing, have them play their favorite songs they've learned when friends and family come over to visit. Studies show that when kids show off a new skill, it builds their self-confidence.
You can view and purchase the entire line of music products at my webpage, www.discoverytoyslink.com/Michelemarchetti
Michele Marchetti
203-672-0681
Here is great information about the value of music. I got all these facts from www.tesh.com
Studies show that learning to play an instrument has significant long-term benefits for kids. Researchers at the University of California found that kids who took music lessons scored 27% higher on math tests, and 57 points higher on the SAT's verbal section. So why are the musically inclined a bit brainier? Because, according to Canada's McMaster University, learning to play an instrument develops the reasoning and spatial centers in the brain. Music also maximizes brain development in the areas related to language and social skills.
To prove the point, a comprehensive series of skill tests were done on 5-thousand 5th graders. And in every single test area, kids who were learning to play a musical instrument received higher marks than their classmates. And the longer they had been studying music, the higher they scored. The American Music Conference reports that kids who play an instrument are 52 percent more likely to go on to college than non-music makers. And kids who play music watch less TV and are more optimistic. So here's how to get your kids hooked on music. I found this in Prevention magazine.
Be sure to start early. Young kids are fascinated with sound, and as they hear new instruments and rhythms, it sparks the connections between their brain cells, helping them learn faster. So, sign your preschooler up for a music and movement class.
Also, if your child is outgoing, have them play their favorite songs they've learned when friends and family come over to visit. Studies show that when kids show off a new skill, it builds their self-confidence.
You can view and purchase the entire line of music products at my webpage, www.discoverytoyslink.com/Michelemarchetti
Michele Marchetti
203-672-0681
Monday, July 23, 2007
Discovery toys has partnered with Hasbro!!
Did you know that Discovery Toys has partnered with Hasbro/ Playschool wow!!
I am so excited that this is happening. Everyone knows playschool and now you can get more stuff at our parties!! We have shutes and ladders, weebles, scooters, and deluxe wooden scrabble games now!! Hurry book a party and get these great toys for free and have a $250 party and get the deluxe scrabble for $30 wahoo!! We also have a back to school sale!! See the new flyer call me for more information!!! We are having our great convention in New Orleans next year and we are building houses wahooo!!!! We have a great mission!! 203-672-0681 Call now to book your party for fall is filling fast!!
fshngqueen@aol.com
Michele Marchetti
Therapeutic Recreational Specialist and Group Manager for Discovery Toys!!
http://www.discoverytoyslink.com/michelemarchetti
I am so excited that this is happening. Everyone knows playschool and now you can get more stuff at our parties!! We have shutes and ladders, weebles, scooters, and deluxe wooden scrabble games now!! Hurry book a party and get these great toys for free and have a $250 party and get the deluxe scrabble for $30 wahoo!! We also have a back to school sale!! See the new flyer call me for more information!!! We are having our great convention in New Orleans next year and we are building houses wahooo!!!! We have a great mission!! 203-672-0681 Call now to book your party for fall is filling fast!!
fshngqueen@aol.com
Michele Marchetti
Therapeutic Recreational Specialist and Group Manager for Discovery Toys!!
http://www.discoverytoyslink.com/michelemarchetti
Monday, July 16, 2007
Alzheimer's and recreation and fun for families!!
Here is some general info on Alzheimer's and a couple of things that work well with them are music and art therapy. Another thing is familar things. Patients that I have dealt with that have alzheimers often will not follow direct commands. If you tell them to sit up and eat or walk, etc. they will just look at you with a blank stare, they might smile or just do nothing. Like they just don't understand. But if you get them up on their feet and kinda get them moving, then they would walk or if you handed them a toothbrush and toothpaste they would know to brush their teeth...things they know from the past often they just do naturally. This is of course not always the case in advanced patients. Each patient is of course different. They can become easily agitated and they may believe things that are not true...if you disagree with them then they can become agitated. Often they have difficulty expressing themselves, language can be repetitive and they often get stuck on the same phrase and say it over and over. So with all that...some things you might suggest are some of our musical cds that have common things...like head, shoulders, knees and toes or any with things that would be familiar to most. I would not suggest games that are difficult to learn as the patient would be hard to teach a new skill unless they were just a mild case. Things like easy puzzles..Opposite pairs. Or giant pegboard might be good. Toddler talk...since they will recognize the phone and its sounds and know what it is. Color, Craft and Carry might be good for the art therapy. Music makes my day DVD. They might like the Rainfall Rattle. Place and trace...easy puzzle and could use for artwork if they were a mild case. Sounds like Fun CD could be calming music. Playful patterns if a mild case might work. Starting Write or I Can Write. Possibly ABSeas.. fishing common activity and for mild case might enjoy playing the game. Sensory balls like tangiball and roll-a rama. Hammer Away might be another common activity since it involves hammering. Castlemarbleworks ...not so much the building part, but dropping the balls down some might enjoy. Hope this helps. These are just suggestions. Like I said each patient is different, so talk about the things common to Alzheimers and let the therapist or the director make the choices. If I were to bring some things to show...some of these might be good. I am a recreational specialist in nuirsing homes call me for more information!!
Alzheimer's and Your Loved One
Symptoms
Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia. It's a progressive disease that gets worse with time. Alzheimer's does not affect each person the same way. But, there are some symptoms that usually happen as the disease progresses. Here is a list of some of the symptoms:
Alzheimer's progresses in stages over 8 to 10 years, on average, after diagnosis
Mild Alzheimer's disease
People with mild Alzheimer's disease may:
Have memory loss
Have trouble naming common items
Ask or say the same thing over and over
Get lost easily
Lose interest in things they once liked to do
Lose things more often than normal
Have personality changes
Moderate Alzheimer's disease
People with moderate Alzheimer's disease may:
Have poor memory of recent events
Have trouble with tasks such as washing dishes or setting the table
Have a hard time dressing for the weather or occasion
Forget to shave or shower
Argue more often
Believe things are real when they are not
Wander, often at night
Be worried or depressed
Need close supervision
Severe Alzheimer's disease
People with severe Alzheimer's disease may:
Have problems with eating
Have problems with speech or not speak at all
Not recognize you or other family members
Not be able to control bowels or urine
Have problems with walking
Enjoying Time With Your Loved One
While caring for your loved one may take a lot of time, you should still try to find time just for sharing life's simple moments. Finding things you and your loved one can do together can be hard. But it's worth it. Like you, people with Alzheimer's disease may enjoy doing activities that interest them.
Plus, events and activities may help your loved one enjoy life each day.
When you look for things to do, don't forget that Alzheimer's makes it hard to focus or learn new skills. Some people with Alzheimer's like to spend time on things that they enjoyed in the past. With your help, your loved one may still enjoy a hobby or pastime that was once a favorite. When you can, try to build on current skills. This may work better than trying to teach new skills.
Enjoying time together
Here are some things you and your loved one may enjoy:
Looking at photos
Talking about family history
Making a scrapbook
Playing simple games
Working puzzles
Listening to music together
It may also help to add light exercise to your loved one's day. Be sure to ask the doctor first. It may help your loved one sleep better, and it might be helpful to your mood.
No matter what you choose, try to:
Break each task into small steps
Give praise each step of the way
Watch for signs that your loved one is tired, so you can take a break
Make time to enjoy simple moments together at the same time each day
Tips I have found:
THE SECRET POWER OF ART
People who can no longer use words can express their deepest feelings, through the symbolic language of art.
Discover the groundbreaking book about art therapy for Alzheimer's disease:
When Words Have Lost Their Meaning:
Alzheimer's Patients Communicate through Art
After many years' experience as an art therapist to Alzheimer's patients, Ruth Abraham now offers an encouraging guide to communicating despite dementia.
Are you a psychologist, occupational therapist, healthcare or social worker, friend or family to an Alzheimer's sufferer? Find out how to engage with and celebrate each person's individuality and humanness for far longer than previously thought.
Art therapy draws on the rich resources of a lifetime — the temperament, emotions, experiences, and memories that make up one's internal world — that are still present for many years of the disease and provide material for profound communion.
Unfortunately, medical science has not yet provided any effective long-term treatment for Alzheimer's disease. In the absence of a much-hoped-for miracle drug, it is our responsibility to find ways to enhance the lives of those stricken with the illness. Current major therapeutic approaches consist of practical and emotional support and of strategies that help strengthen remaining capacities. Art therapy, a relatively new resource, sets out to do exactly these things, offering an additional means to bolster the humanity of the Alzheimer's patient. Art therapy proves to be a powerful medium because it bypasses the dominant verbal aspects of brain function. The work is based on the assumption that in spite of deterioration and advancing limitations, the dementia patient is nevertheless a person with an interior subjective world. The afflicted person, overwhelmed by an inability to articulate, can give voice to this inner world through the use of art materials. In providing that person with the symbolic language of art, an alternative channel for communication is opened. This is a vital gift when words have lost their meaning. ~~~quoted from the book When Words have Lost their Meaning by Ruth Abraham.
Music is a form of sensory stimulation, which provokes responses due to the familiarity, predictability, and feelings of security associated with it.
Participants without a music background can benefit from music therapy.
Music therapy provides opportunities for:
Memory recall which contributes to reminiscence and satisfaction with life
Positive changes in mood and emotional states
Sense of control over life through successful experiences
Awareness of self and environment which accompanies increased attention to music
Anxiety and stress reduction for older adult and caregiver
Nonpharmacological management of pain and discomfort
Stimulation which provokes interest even when no other approach is effective
Structure which promotes rhythmic and continuous movement or vocal fluency as an adjunct to physical rehabilitation
Emotional intimacy when spouses and families share creative music experiences
Social interaction with caregivers and families
Is There Research To Support Music Therapy For Persons with Alzheimer's Disease?
Through peer-reviewed journals inside the profession such as the Journal of Music Therapy, Music Therapy, and Music Therapy Perspectives, and extensive articles in journals outside the profession, AMTA has promoted much research exploring the benefits of music therapy for persons with Alzheimer's Disease.
Research Highlights
Music therapy reduces depression among older adults.
Music experiences can be structured to enhance social/emotional skills, to assist in recall and language skills and to decrease problem behaviors.
Music tasks can be used to assess cognitive ability in people with Alzheimer's Disease.
Music is effective in decreasing the frequency of agitated and aggressive behaviors for individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias.
Individuals in the late stages of dementia respond to and interact with music.
Michele Marchetti
203-672-0681
www.discoverytoyslink.com/michelemarchetti
Alzheimer's and Your Loved One
Symptoms
Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia. It's a progressive disease that gets worse with time. Alzheimer's does not affect each person the same way. But, there are some symptoms that usually happen as the disease progresses. Here is a list of some of the symptoms:
Alzheimer's progresses in stages over 8 to 10 years, on average, after diagnosis
Mild Alzheimer's disease
People with mild Alzheimer's disease may:
Have memory loss
Have trouble naming common items
Ask or say the same thing over and over
Get lost easily
Lose interest in things they once liked to do
Lose things more often than normal
Have personality changes
Moderate Alzheimer's disease
People with moderate Alzheimer's disease may:
Have poor memory of recent events
Have trouble with tasks such as washing dishes or setting the table
Have a hard time dressing for the weather or occasion
Forget to shave or shower
Argue more often
Believe things are real when they are not
Wander, often at night
Be worried or depressed
Need close supervision
Severe Alzheimer's disease
People with severe Alzheimer's disease may:
Have problems with eating
Have problems with speech or not speak at all
Not recognize you or other family members
Not be able to control bowels or urine
Have problems with walking
Enjoying Time With Your Loved One
While caring for your loved one may take a lot of time, you should still try to find time just for sharing life's simple moments. Finding things you and your loved one can do together can be hard. But it's worth it. Like you, people with Alzheimer's disease may enjoy doing activities that interest them.
Plus, events and activities may help your loved one enjoy life each day.
When you look for things to do, don't forget that Alzheimer's makes it hard to focus or learn new skills. Some people with Alzheimer's like to spend time on things that they enjoyed in the past. With your help, your loved one may still enjoy a hobby or pastime that was once a favorite. When you can, try to build on current skills. This may work better than trying to teach new skills.
Enjoying time together
Here are some things you and your loved one may enjoy:
Looking at photos
Talking about family history
Making a scrapbook
Playing simple games
Working puzzles
Listening to music together
It may also help to add light exercise to your loved one's day. Be sure to ask the doctor first. It may help your loved one sleep better, and it might be helpful to your mood.
No matter what you choose, try to:
Break each task into small steps
Give praise each step of the way
Watch for signs that your loved one is tired, so you can take a break
Make time to enjoy simple moments together at the same time each day
Tips I have found:
THE SECRET POWER OF ART
People who can no longer use words can express their deepest feelings, through the symbolic language of art.
Discover the groundbreaking book about art therapy for Alzheimer's disease:
When Words Have Lost Their Meaning:
Alzheimer's Patients Communicate through Art
After many years' experience as an art therapist to Alzheimer's patients, Ruth Abraham now offers an encouraging guide to communicating despite dementia.
Are you a psychologist, occupational therapist, healthcare or social worker, friend or family to an Alzheimer's sufferer? Find out how to engage with and celebrate each person's individuality and humanness for far longer than previously thought.
Art therapy draws on the rich resources of a lifetime — the temperament, emotions, experiences, and memories that make up one's internal world — that are still present for many years of the disease and provide material for profound communion.
Unfortunately, medical science has not yet provided any effective long-term treatment for Alzheimer's disease. In the absence of a much-hoped-for miracle drug, it is our responsibility to find ways to enhance the lives of those stricken with the illness. Current major therapeutic approaches consist of practical and emotional support and of strategies that help strengthen remaining capacities. Art therapy, a relatively new resource, sets out to do exactly these things, offering an additional means to bolster the humanity of the Alzheimer's patient. Art therapy proves to be a powerful medium because it bypasses the dominant verbal aspects of brain function. The work is based on the assumption that in spite of deterioration and advancing limitations, the dementia patient is nevertheless a person with an interior subjective world. The afflicted person, overwhelmed by an inability to articulate, can give voice to this inner world through the use of art materials. In providing that person with the symbolic language of art, an alternative channel for communication is opened. This is a vital gift when words have lost their meaning. ~~~quoted from the book When Words have Lost their Meaning by Ruth Abraham.
Music is a form of sensory stimulation, which provokes responses due to the familiarity, predictability, and feelings of security associated with it.
Participants without a music background can benefit from music therapy.
Music therapy provides opportunities for:
Memory recall which contributes to reminiscence and satisfaction with life
Positive changes in mood and emotional states
Sense of control over life through successful experiences
Awareness of self and environment which accompanies increased attention to music
Anxiety and stress reduction for older adult and caregiver
Nonpharmacological management of pain and discomfort
Stimulation which provokes interest even when no other approach is effective
Structure which promotes rhythmic and continuous movement or vocal fluency as an adjunct to physical rehabilitation
Emotional intimacy when spouses and families share creative music experiences
Social interaction with caregivers and families
Is There Research To Support Music Therapy For Persons with Alzheimer's Disease?
Through peer-reviewed journals inside the profession such as the Journal of Music Therapy, Music Therapy, and Music Therapy Perspectives, and extensive articles in journals outside the profession, AMTA has promoted much research exploring the benefits of music therapy for persons with Alzheimer's Disease.
Research Highlights
Music therapy reduces depression among older adults.
Music experiences can be structured to enhance social/emotional skills, to assist in recall and language skills and to decrease problem behaviors.
Music tasks can be used to assess cognitive ability in people with Alzheimer's Disease.
Music is effective in decreasing the frequency of agitated and aggressive behaviors for individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias.
Individuals in the late stages of dementia respond to and interact with music.
Michele Marchetti
203-672-0681
www.discoverytoyslink.com/michelemarchetti
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Rocket Start!
Rocket Start your business!
When you join my team, I will help you get your Discovery Toys business off and running! Your initial investment of $99 will get you the toys, catalogs and materials you'll need to get your business started (over $300 value)! You can get started with just a $25 deposit!
In the first 3 months of your business, Discovery Toys helps you rocket start your business by giving incentives for selling and recruiting. You'll earn coupons to get FREE TOYS from Discovery Toys based on your sales! You can even earn your start-up kit back for free! (I earned my kit back in the first month of my business by just doing a few parties!)
Discovery Toys continues to provide incentives like free Convention Registration (a $199 value) and a trip to Disneyland for 4 days/3 nights for two! What are you waiting for!?!? Call me TODAY to start your business!
Michele Marchetti
203-672-0681
When you join my team, I will help you get your Discovery Toys business off and running! Your initial investment of $99 will get you the toys, catalogs and materials you'll need to get your business started (over $300 value)! You can get started with just a $25 deposit!
In the first 3 months of your business, Discovery Toys helps you rocket start your business by giving incentives for selling and recruiting. You'll earn coupons to get FREE TOYS from Discovery Toys based on your sales! You can even earn your start-up kit back for free! (I earned my kit back in the first month of my business by just doing a few parties!)
Discovery Toys continues to provide incentives like free Convention Registration (a $199 value) and a trip to Disneyland for 4 days/3 nights for two! What are you waiting for!?!? Call me TODAY to start your business!
Michele Marchetti
203-672-0681
Join the Amazing Team Jamoke' !!!
Join the Amazing Team Jamoke' (where the child plays)!
Have you ever thought about starting a fun, flexible, home-based business that lets you play for a living? If you have, then Discovery Toys is for you!
I am looking for people all over the country to join my team!
It only takes a $25 deposit to get started!
CALL ME to get more information or to JOIN MY TEAM! I will help you get your business off the ground and support you all the way! My number is 203-672-0681!
Michele Marchetti, your Discovery Toys Independent Group Manager.
www.discoverytoyslink.com/michelemarchetti
Have you ever thought about starting a fun, flexible, home-based business that lets you play for a living? If you have, then Discovery Toys is for you!
I am looking for people all over the country to join my team!
It only takes a $25 deposit to get started!
CALL ME to get more information or to JOIN MY TEAM! I will help you get your business off the ground and support you all the way! My number is 203-672-0681!
Michele Marchetti, your Discovery Toys Independent Group Manager.
www.discoverytoyslink.com/michelemarchetti
Autism Article
TEN THINGS EVERY CHILD WITH AUTISM
WISHES YOU KNEW
by Ellen Notbohm
Some days it seems the only predictable thing about it is the unpredictability. The only consistent attribute – the inconsistency. There is little argument on any level but that autism is baffling, even to those who spend their lives around it. The child who lives with autism may look “normal” but his behavior can be perplexing and downright difficult.
Autism was once thought an “incurable” disorder, but that notion is crumbling in the face knowledge and understanding that is increasing even as you read this. Every day, individuals with autism are showing us that they can overcome, compensate for and otherwise manage many of autism’s most challenging characteristics. Equipping those around our children with simple understanding of autism’s most basic elements has a tremendous impact on their ability to journey towards productive, independent adulthood.
Autism is an extremely complex disorder but for purposes of this one article, we can distill its myriad characteristics into four fundamental areas: sensory processing challenges, speech/language delays and impairments, the elusive social interaction skills and whole child/self-esteem issues. And though these four elements may be common to many children, keep front-of-mind the fact that autism is a spectrum disorder: no two (or ten or twenty) children with autism will be completely alike. Every child will be at a different point on the spectrum. And, just as importantly – every parent, teacher and caregiver will be at a different point on the spectrum. Child or adult, each will have a unique set of needs.
Here are ten things every child with autism wishes you knew:
1. I am first and foremost a child. I have autism. I am not primarily “autistic.” My autism is only one aspect of my total character. It does not define me as a person. Are you a person with thoughts, feelings and many talents, or are you just fat (overweight), myopic (wear glasses) or klutzy (uncoordinated, not good at sports)? Those may be things that I see first when I meet you, but they are not necessarily what you are all about.
As an adult, you have some control over how you define yourself. If you want to single out a single characteristic, you can make that known. As a child, I am still unfolding. Neither you nor I yet know what I may be capable of. Defining me by one characteristic runs the danger of setting up an expectation that may be too low. And if I get a sense that you don’t think I “can do it,” my natural response will be: Why try?
2. My sensory perceptions are disordered. Sensory integration may be the most difficult aspect of autism to understand, but it is arguably the most critical. It his means that the ordinary sights, sounds, smells, tastes and touches of everyday that you may not even notice can be downright painful for me. The very environment in which I have to live often seems hostile. I may appear withdrawn or belligerent to you but I am really just trying to defend myself. Here is why a “simple” trip to the grocery store may be hell for me:
My hearing may be hyper-acute. Dozens of people are talking at once. The loudspeaker booms today’s special. Musak whines from the sound system. Cash registers beep and cough, a coffee grinder is chugging. The meat cutter screeches, babies wail, carts creak, the fluorescent lighting hums. My brain can’t filter all the input and I’m in overload!
My sense of smell may be highly sensitive. The fish at the meat counter isn’t quite fresh, the guy standing next to us hasn’t showered today, the deli is handing out sausage samples, the baby in line ahead of us has a poopy diaper, they’re mopping up pickles on aisle 3 with ammonia….I can’t sort it all out. I am dangerously nauseated.
Because I am visually oriented (see more on this below), this may be my first sense to become overstimulated. The fluorescent light is not only too bright, it buzzes and hums. The room seems to pulsate and it hurts my eyes. The pulsating light bounces off everything and distorts what I am seeing – the space seems to be constantly changing. There’s glare from windows, too many items for me to be able to focus (I may compensate with "tunnel vision"), moving fans on the ceiling, so many bodies in constant motion. All this affects my vestibular and proprioceptive senses, and now I can’t even tell where my body is in space.
3. Please remember to distinguish between won’t (I choose not to) and can’t (I am not able to). Receptive and expressive language and vocabulary can be major challenges for me. It isn’t that I don’t listen to instructions. It’s that I can’t understand you. When you call to me from across the room, this is what I hear: “*&^%$#@, Billy. #$%^*&^%$&*………” Instead, come speak directly to me in plain words: “Please put your book in your desk, Billy. It’s time to go to lunch.” This tells me what you want me to do and what is going to happen next. Now it is much easier for me to comply.
4. I am a concrete thinker. This means I interpret language very literally. It’s very confusing for me when you say, “Hold your horses, cowboy!” when what you really mean is “Please stop running.” Don’t tell me something is a “piece of cake” when there is no dessert in sight and what you really mean is “this will be easy for you to do.” When you say “It’s pouring cats and dogs,” I see pets coming out of a pitcher. Please just tell me “It’s raining very hard.”
Idioms, puns, nuances, double entendres, inference, metaphors, allusions and sarcasm are lost on me.
5. Please be patient with my limited vocabulary. It’s hard for me to tell you what I need when I don’t know the words to describe my feelings. I may be hungry, frustrated, frightened or confused but right now those words are beyond my ability to express. Be alert for body language, withdrawal, agitation or other signs that something is wrong.
Or, there’s a flip side to this: I may sound like a “little professor” or movie star, rattling off words or whole scripts well beyond my developmental age. These are messages I have memorized from the world around me to compensate for my language deficits because I know I am expected to respond when spoken to. They may come from books, TV, the speech of other people. It is called “echolalia.” I don’t necessarily understand the context or the terminology I’m using. I just know that it gets me off the hook for coming up with a reply.
6. Because language is so difficult for me, I am very visually oriented. Please show me how to do something rather than just telling me. And please be prepared to show me many times. Lots of consistent repetition helps me learn.
A visual schedule is extremely helpful as I move through my day. Like your day-timer, it relieves me of the stress of having to remember what comes next, makes for smooth transition between activities, helps me manage my time and meet your expectations. Here’s a great website for learning more about visual schedules: www.cesa7.k12.wi.us/sped/autism/structure/str11.htm.
I won’t lose the need for a visual schedule as I get older, but my “level of representation” may change. Before I can read, I need a visual schedule with photographs or simple drawings. As I get older, a combination of words and pictures may work, and later still, just words.
7. Please focus and build on what I can do rather than what I can’t do. Like any other human, I can’t learn in an environment where I’m constantly made to feel that I’m not good enough and that I need “fixing.” Trying anything new when I am almost sure to be met with criticism, however “constructive,” becomes something to be avoided. Look for my strengths and you will find them. There is more than one “right” way to do most things.
8. Please help me with social interactions. It may look like I don’t want to play with the other kids on the playground, but sometimes it’s just that I simply do not know how to start a conversation or enter a play situation. If you can encourage other children to invite me to join them at kickball or shooting baskets, it may be that I’m delighted to be included.
I do best in structured play activities that have a clear beginning and end. I don’t know how to “read” facial expressions, body language or the emotions of others, so I appreciate ongoing coaching in proper social responses. For example, if I laugh when Emily falls off the slide, it’s not that I think it’s funny. It’s that I don’t know the proper response. Teach me to say “Are you OK?”
9. Try to identify what triggers my meltdowns. Meltdowns, blow-ups, tantrums or whatever you want to call them are even more horrid for me than they are for you. They occur because one or more of my senses has gone into overload. If you can figure out why my meltdowns occur, they can be prevented. Keep a log noting times, settings, people, activities. A pattern may emerge.
Try to remember that all behavior is a form of communication. It tells you, when my words cannot, how I perceive something that is happening in my environment.
Parents, keep in mind as well: persistent behavior may have an underlying medical cause. Food allergies and sensitivities, sleep disorders and gastrointestinal problems can all have profound effects on behavior.
10. If you are a family member, please love me unconditionally. Banish thoughts like, “If he would just……” and “Why can’t she…..” You did not fulfill every last expectation your parents had for you and you wouldn’t like being constantly reminded of it. I did not choose to have autism. But remember that it is happening to me, not you. Without your support, my chances of successful, self-reliant adulthood are slim. With your support and guidance, the possibilities are broader than you might think. I promise you – I am worth it.
And finally, three words: Patience. Patience. Patience. Work to view my autism as a different ability rather than a disability. Look past what you may see as limitations and see the gifts autism has given me. It may be true that I’m not good at eye contact or conversation, but have you noticed that I don’t lie, cheat at games, tattle on my classmates or pass judgment on other people? Also true that I probably won’t be the next Michael Jordan. But with my attention to fine detail and capacity for extraordinary focus, I might be the next Einstein. Or Mozart. Or Van Gogh.
They had autism too.
The answer to Alzheimer’s, the enigma of extraterrestrial life -- what future achievements from today’s children with autism, children like me, lie ahead?
All that I might become won’t happen without you as my foundation. Think through some of those societal ‘rules’ and if they don’t make sense for me, let them go. Be my advocate, be my friend, and we’ll see just how far I can go.
(c) 2005 Ellen Notbohm
Ellen Notbohm is author of Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You
Knew and Ten Things Your Student with Autism Wishes You Knew, both ForeWord
Book of the Year Honorable Mention finalists and iParenting Media Award
recipients. She is also co-author of the award-winning 1001 Great Ideas for
Teaching and Raising Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders, a columnist
for Autism Asperger's Digest and Children's Voice, and a contributor to
numerous publications and websites around the world. To contact Ellen or
explore her work, please visit www.ellennotbohm.com .
WISHES YOU KNEW
by Ellen Notbohm
Some days it seems the only predictable thing about it is the unpredictability. The only consistent attribute – the inconsistency. There is little argument on any level but that autism is baffling, even to those who spend their lives around it. The child who lives with autism may look “normal” but his behavior can be perplexing and downright difficult.
Autism was once thought an “incurable” disorder, but that notion is crumbling in the face knowledge and understanding that is increasing even as you read this. Every day, individuals with autism are showing us that they can overcome, compensate for and otherwise manage many of autism’s most challenging characteristics. Equipping those around our children with simple understanding of autism’s most basic elements has a tremendous impact on their ability to journey towards productive, independent adulthood.
Autism is an extremely complex disorder but for purposes of this one article, we can distill its myriad characteristics into four fundamental areas: sensory processing challenges, speech/language delays and impairments, the elusive social interaction skills and whole child/self-esteem issues. And though these four elements may be common to many children, keep front-of-mind the fact that autism is a spectrum disorder: no two (or ten or twenty) children with autism will be completely alike. Every child will be at a different point on the spectrum. And, just as importantly – every parent, teacher and caregiver will be at a different point on the spectrum. Child or adult, each will have a unique set of needs.
Here are ten things every child with autism wishes you knew:
1. I am first and foremost a child. I have autism. I am not primarily “autistic.” My autism is only one aspect of my total character. It does not define me as a person. Are you a person with thoughts, feelings and many talents, or are you just fat (overweight), myopic (wear glasses) or klutzy (uncoordinated, not good at sports)? Those may be things that I see first when I meet you, but they are not necessarily what you are all about.
As an adult, you have some control over how you define yourself. If you want to single out a single characteristic, you can make that known. As a child, I am still unfolding. Neither you nor I yet know what I may be capable of. Defining me by one characteristic runs the danger of setting up an expectation that may be too low. And if I get a sense that you don’t think I “can do it,” my natural response will be: Why try?
2. My sensory perceptions are disordered. Sensory integration may be the most difficult aspect of autism to understand, but it is arguably the most critical. It his means that the ordinary sights, sounds, smells, tastes and touches of everyday that you may not even notice can be downright painful for me. The very environment in which I have to live often seems hostile. I may appear withdrawn or belligerent to you but I am really just trying to defend myself. Here is why a “simple” trip to the grocery store may be hell for me:
My hearing may be hyper-acute. Dozens of people are talking at once. The loudspeaker booms today’s special. Musak whines from the sound system. Cash registers beep and cough, a coffee grinder is chugging. The meat cutter screeches, babies wail, carts creak, the fluorescent lighting hums. My brain can’t filter all the input and I’m in overload!
My sense of smell may be highly sensitive. The fish at the meat counter isn’t quite fresh, the guy standing next to us hasn’t showered today, the deli is handing out sausage samples, the baby in line ahead of us has a poopy diaper, they’re mopping up pickles on aisle 3 with ammonia….I can’t sort it all out. I am dangerously nauseated.
Because I am visually oriented (see more on this below), this may be my first sense to become overstimulated. The fluorescent light is not only too bright, it buzzes and hums. The room seems to pulsate and it hurts my eyes. The pulsating light bounces off everything and distorts what I am seeing – the space seems to be constantly changing. There’s glare from windows, too many items for me to be able to focus (I may compensate with "tunnel vision"), moving fans on the ceiling, so many bodies in constant motion. All this affects my vestibular and proprioceptive senses, and now I can’t even tell where my body is in space.
3. Please remember to distinguish between won’t (I choose not to) and can’t (I am not able to). Receptive and expressive language and vocabulary can be major challenges for me. It isn’t that I don’t listen to instructions. It’s that I can’t understand you. When you call to me from across the room, this is what I hear: “*&^%$#@, Billy. #$%^*&^%$&*………” Instead, come speak directly to me in plain words: “Please put your book in your desk, Billy. It’s time to go to lunch.” This tells me what you want me to do and what is going to happen next. Now it is much easier for me to comply.
4. I am a concrete thinker. This means I interpret language very literally. It’s very confusing for me when you say, “Hold your horses, cowboy!” when what you really mean is “Please stop running.” Don’t tell me something is a “piece of cake” when there is no dessert in sight and what you really mean is “this will be easy for you to do.” When you say “It’s pouring cats and dogs,” I see pets coming out of a pitcher. Please just tell me “It’s raining very hard.”
Idioms, puns, nuances, double entendres, inference, metaphors, allusions and sarcasm are lost on me.
5. Please be patient with my limited vocabulary. It’s hard for me to tell you what I need when I don’t know the words to describe my feelings. I may be hungry, frustrated, frightened or confused but right now those words are beyond my ability to express. Be alert for body language, withdrawal, agitation or other signs that something is wrong.
Or, there’s a flip side to this: I may sound like a “little professor” or movie star, rattling off words or whole scripts well beyond my developmental age. These are messages I have memorized from the world around me to compensate for my language deficits because I know I am expected to respond when spoken to. They may come from books, TV, the speech of other people. It is called “echolalia.” I don’t necessarily understand the context or the terminology I’m using. I just know that it gets me off the hook for coming up with a reply.
6. Because language is so difficult for me, I am very visually oriented. Please show me how to do something rather than just telling me. And please be prepared to show me many times. Lots of consistent repetition helps me learn.
A visual schedule is extremely helpful as I move through my day. Like your day-timer, it relieves me of the stress of having to remember what comes next, makes for smooth transition between activities, helps me manage my time and meet your expectations. Here’s a great website for learning more about visual schedules: www.cesa7.k12.wi.us/sped/autism/structure/str11.htm.
I won’t lose the need for a visual schedule as I get older, but my “level of representation” may change. Before I can read, I need a visual schedule with photographs or simple drawings. As I get older, a combination of words and pictures may work, and later still, just words.
7. Please focus and build on what I can do rather than what I can’t do. Like any other human, I can’t learn in an environment where I’m constantly made to feel that I’m not good enough and that I need “fixing.” Trying anything new when I am almost sure to be met with criticism, however “constructive,” becomes something to be avoided. Look for my strengths and you will find them. There is more than one “right” way to do most things.
8. Please help me with social interactions. It may look like I don’t want to play with the other kids on the playground, but sometimes it’s just that I simply do not know how to start a conversation or enter a play situation. If you can encourage other children to invite me to join them at kickball or shooting baskets, it may be that I’m delighted to be included.
I do best in structured play activities that have a clear beginning and end. I don’t know how to “read” facial expressions, body language or the emotions of others, so I appreciate ongoing coaching in proper social responses. For example, if I laugh when Emily falls off the slide, it’s not that I think it’s funny. It’s that I don’t know the proper response. Teach me to say “Are you OK?”
9. Try to identify what triggers my meltdowns. Meltdowns, blow-ups, tantrums or whatever you want to call them are even more horrid for me than they are for you. They occur because one or more of my senses has gone into overload. If you can figure out why my meltdowns occur, they can be prevented. Keep a log noting times, settings, people, activities. A pattern may emerge.
Try to remember that all behavior is a form of communication. It tells you, when my words cannot, how I perceive something that is happening in my environment.
Parents, keep in mind as well: persistent behavior may have an underlying medical cause. Food allergies and sensitivities, sleep disorders and gastrointestinal problems can all have profound effects on behavior.
10. If you are a family member, please love me unconditionally. Banish thoughts like, “If he would just……” and “Why can’t she…..” You did not fulfill every last expectation your parents had for you and you wouldn’t like being constantly reminded of it. I did not choose to have autism. But remember that it is happening to me, not you. Without your support, my chances of successful, self-reliant adulthood are slim. With your support and guidance, the possibilities are broader than you might think. I promise you – I am worth it.
And finally, three words: Patience. Patience. Patience. Work to view my autism as a different ability rather than a disability. Look past what you may see as limitations and see the gifts autism has given me. It may be true that I’m not good at eye contact or conversation, but have you noticed that I don’t lie, cheat at games, tattle on my classmates or pass judgment on other people? Also true that I probably won’t be the next Michael Jordan. But with my attention to fine detail and capacity for extraordinary focus, I might be the next Einstein. Or Mozart. Or Van Gogh.
They had autism too.
The answer to Alzheimer’s, the enigma of extraterrestrial life -- what future achievements from today’s children with autism, children like me, lie ahead?
All that I might become won’t happen without you as my foundation. Think through some of those societal ‘rules’ and if they don’t make sense for me, let them go. Be my advocate, be my friend, and we’ll see just how far I can go.
(c) 2005 Ellen Notbohm
Ellen Notbohm is author of Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You
Knew and Ten Things Your Student with Autism Wishes You Knew, both ForeWord
Book of the Year Honorable Mention finalists and iParenting Media Award
recipients. She is also co-author of the award-winning 1001 Great Ideas for
Teaching and Raising Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders, a columnist
for Autism Asperger's Digest and Children's Voice, and a contributor to
numerous publications and websites around the world. To contact Ellen or
explore her work, please visit www.ellennotbohm.com .
Autism Tools
Discovery Toys offers several tools to help families affected by autism:
~ A special Parent Support Pack for families of children with autism that you can share with others and build a business if you choose.
~ A hostess program tailored to offer you the chance to earn FREE and half-price products for your own child or the organization of your choice.
~ A product line sorted by key skill areas to make choosing the right toys easy and learning fun.
About Autism
According to the Princeton Child Development Institute, “Autism is a severe developmental disability that is usually noted within the first three years of life. It occurs in 1 of 166 births, exists in every ethnic group and every part of the world, and is much more common in boys than girls. Before treatment, youngsters with autism exhibit very uneven patterns of development. Often, speech is absent or very delayed and children do not relate to objects, events, or other people in expected ways, nor do they respond to touch, taste, sight, or sound in the same manner as their typical peers. Many children exhibit extremely dysfunctional responses, including stereotypic movements, tantrums, and self-injury.
Because the etiology of autism is not clearly understood, prevention is not possible. But a significant body of evidence shows that applied behavior analysis technology can make a world of difference for people with autism, especially when treatment begins early.”
Together we can raise hope and deliver a rich, educational experience to children with autism. To learn more about the Discovery Toys Autism Support Project and products, contact your Discovery Toys Independent Group Manager
Michele Marchetti
203-672-0681
fshngqueen@aol.com
www.discoverytoyslink.com/michelemarchetti
~ A special Parent Support Pack for families of children with autism that you can share with others and build a business if you choose.
~ A hostess program tailored to offer you the chance to earn FREE and half-price products for your own child or the organization of your choice.
~ A product line sorted by key skill areas to make choosing the right toys easy and learning fun.
About Autism
According to the Princeton Child Development Institute, “Autism is a severe developmental disability that is usually noted within the first three years of life. It occurs in 1 of 166 births, exists in every ethnic group and every part of the world, and is much more common in boys than girls. Before treatment, youngsters with autism exhibit very uneven patterns of development. Often, speech is absent or very delayed and children do not relate to objects, events, or other people in expected ways, nor do they respond to touch, taste, sight, or sound in the same manner as their typical peers. Many children exhibit extremely dysfunctional responses, including stereotypic movements, tantrums, and self-injury.
Because the etiology of autism is not clearly understood, prevention is not possible. But a significant body of evidence shows that applied behavior analysis technology can make a world of difference for people with autism, especially when treatment begins early.”
Together we can raise hope and deliver a rich, educational experience to children with autism. To learn more about the Discovery Toys Autism Support Project and products, contact your Discovery Toys Independent Group Manager
Michele Marchetti
203-672-0681
fshngqueen@aol.com
www.discoverytoyslink.com/michelemarchetti
Autism
Autism Support
Autism Support Project
Discovery Toys has sensational products that encourage multiple levels of learning for all children. For children with autism, the diversity and breadth of learning opportunities that our products offer provide you with great value and fabulous results.
Discovery Toys joined with the Princeton Child Development Institute (PCDI) in working to raise hope and skill levels for children with autism through a comprehensive development support program. This program helps parents of children with autism understand the most commonly shared learning difficulties and select appropriate products and activities to support tailored development programs. Knowing a child’s skill level and how Discovery Toys can bridge the divide to the next step provides concrete learning support parents can rely upon. Wrap It! & Give A Gift to Autism
All Discovery Toys' customers will now have the opportunity to help by purchasing a dual set of Discovery Toys gift wrap, called “It’s a Wrap! Special Moments Wrap.”
For every set of gift wrap sold, Discovery Toys will donate 50 cents to Autism Speaks.
www.discoverytoyslink.com/michelemarchetti
203-672-0681
Autism Support Project
Discovery Toys has sensational products that encourage multiple levels of learning for all children. For children with autism, the diversity and breadth of learning opportunities that our products offer provide you with great value and fabulous results.
Discovery Toys joined with the Princeton Child Development Institute (PCDI) in working to raise hope and skill levels for children with autism through a comprehensive development support program. This program helps parents of children with autism understand the most commonly shared learning difficulties and select appropriate products and activities to support tailored development programs. Knowing a child’s skill level and how Discovery Toys can bridge the divide to the next step provides concrete learning support parents can rely upon. Wrap It! & Give A Gift to Autism
All Discovery Toys' customers will now have the opportunity to help by purchasing a dual set of Discovery Toys gift wrap, called “It’s a Wrap! Special Moments Wrap.”
For every set of gift wrap sold, Discovery Toys will donate 50 cents to Autism Speaks.
www.discoverytoyslink.com/michelemarchetti
203-672-0681
2-4-6 Reading Program
2-4-6 is a fun and easy reading program designed to encourage parents, teachers and children to work together through reading.
How will schools benefit?
* Each classroom receives 100% of all funds raised to purchase educational materials from Discovery Toys.
* Your students receive the benefits of reading (or being read to) plus the advantage of using Discovery Toys' educational materials in the classroom.
* Every child having 6 sponsors and/or $24.00 in pledges will receive a certificate of achievement for participating in the program.
I will also donate 10% of the total raised to the school to purchase more Discovery Toys materials for the classrooms or 5% that can be used for pizza/popsicle parties for the children who participate.
Here's how it works...
2 WEEKS of reading teamwork.
Parents, teachers and children read together just 24 minutes a day
* (12 at home & 12 at school) for a 2 week period.
4 HOURS of total reading time.
At the end of the 2 weeks, each parent, teacher, child team will have read 4 hours together.
6 SPONSORS pledge their support.
Each parent and child team finds 6 sponsors to support their program.
By pledging just $1.00/hr. each sponsor contributes just $4.00 per child.
As a former elementary education teacher, I believe that reading opens the door to new worlds of fun and inspiration for our children. Reading books together is one of the ways children and adults can share quality time.
If you have any questions, or would like to talk with me about the 2-4-6 Reading Program, please don't hesitate to call me, your Discovery Toys Independent Group Manager Michele Marchetti 203-672-0681 fshngqueen@aol.com or www.discoverytoyslink.com/michelemarchetti.
How will schools benefit?
* Each classroom receives 100% of all funds raised to purchase educational materials from Discovery Toys.
* Your students receive the benefits of reading (or being read to) plus the advantage of using Discovery Toys' educational materials in the classroom.
* Every child having 6 sponsors and/or $24.00 in pledges will receive a certificate of achievement for participating in the program.
I will also donate 10% of the total raised to the school to purchase more Discovery Toys materials for the classrooms or 5% that can be used for pizza/popsicle parties for the children who participate.
Here's how it works...
2 WEEKS of reading teamwork.
Parents, teachers and children read together just 24 minutes a day
* (12 at home & 12 at school) for a 2 week period.
4 HOURS of total reading time.
At the end of the 2 weeks, each parent, teacher, child team will have read 4 hours together.
6 SPONSORS pledge their support.
Each parent and child team finds 6 sponsors to support their program.
By pledging just $1.00/hr. each sponsor contributes just $4.00 per child.
As a former elementary education teacher, I believe that reading opens the door to new worlds of fun and inspiration for our children. Reading books together is one of the ways children and adults can share quality time.
If you have any questions, or would like to talk with me about the 2-4-6 Reading Program, please don't hesitate to call me, your Discovery Toys Independent Group Manager Michele Marchetti 203-672-0681 fshngqueen@aol.com or www.discoverytoyslink.com/michelemarchetti.
Try A Toy Party!
Try out a toy party!
Toy Party ~ One of the best ways to experience Discovery Toys products is through an at-home party. Not only do you get the opportunity to preview many of the products Discovery Toys offers, as a hostess, you also get to earn FREE TOYS!!
For example, when your party sales reach $300, you earn $50 in FREE TOYS that YOU get to choose! Your freebies start with party sales of only $100 and continue to go up as your party sales skyrocket. The sky is the limit!
All you have to do is contact me if you live in the MASS,NJ,CT,NY,and RI area, set a date and invite everyone you know! I do the REST! I'll give you ideas for getting people to your parties, will help contact your guests and we'll work together for a great party!
Catalog Party ~ If you live out of the Tampa Bay area and would still like a chance to earn FREE TOYS, you can always do a catalog party. I'll send you the catalogs with a letter explaining the catalog party for your friends. Hand out the catalogs to everyone you know, collect the orders by a specific date and contact me with the orders. Just like a regular party, you get FREE TOYS!
If either of these party ideas sound good to you, contact me, your Discovery Toys
Group Manager
Michele Marchetti
203-672-0681
www.discoverytoyslink.com/michelemarchetti
Toy Party ~ One of the best ways to experience Discovery Toys products is through an at-home party. Not only do you get the opportunity to preview many of the products Discovery Toys offers, as a hostess, you also get to earn FREE TOYS!!
For example, when your party sales reach $300, you earn $50 in FREE TOYS that YOU get to choose! Your freebies start with party sales of only $100 and continue to go up as your party sales skyrocket. The sky is the limit!
All you have to do is contact me if you live in the MASS,NJ,CT,NY,and RI area, set a date and invite everyone you know! I do the REST! I'll give you ideas for getting people to your parties, will help contact your guests and we'll work together for a great party!
Catalog Party ~ If you live out of the Tampa Bay area and would still like a chance to earn FREE TOYS, you can always do a catalog party. I'll send you the catalogs with a letter explaining the catalog party for your friends. Hand out the catalogs to everyone you know, collect the orders by a specific date and contact me with the orders. Just like a regular party, you get FREE TOYS!
If either of these party ideas sound good to you, contact me, your Discovery Toys
Group Manager
Michele Marchetti
203-672-0681
www.discoverytoyslink.com/michelemarchetti
Remember MAD LIBS, when you were a kid?
If you do, then you will LOVE Loony Libs! Creating ridiculous bellylaughs is the best way to learn your nouns, verbs, adjectives, and pronouns. Discovery Toys is NOT just for babies! Loony Libs is for ages 7 years and up. It includes a CD, dry-erase laminated book and 2 dry-erase markers. The dry-erase page allows children to do it again and again. The CD brings grammar and music together in a fun and funny way. To see our full line of books, music and DVDs, including the new line created by Kindermusik click here: https://www.discoverytoyslink.com/ecommerce/control/category?PURCHASE_STATE=STANDARD&category_id=S_MUSIC&pcategory=NEW
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Discovery Toys Support Grandparents July 15- August 14
Join Discovery Toys and start sharing Educational Toys, Books, Games, and Music with your own grandchildren, friends and family for just $49!!Click here to see the full-color flier.This is a $260 value which includes catalogs, business tools and 3 month FREE web site plus 11 of our top-selling products.
call Michele at 203-910-4686 for more information and to order this Best Buy Bundle
call Michele at 203-910-4686 for more information and to order this Best Buy Bundle
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
You can help people by being my Discovery toys Customer....
I have recently partnered with 3 organizations to help raise money for their causes and needs. Please take a look at the following websites and find out how you can help them by being a Discovery Toys customer: www.CTautismsociety.org, www.toysfortots.org, www.ronalmcdonaldhouse-ct.org, or eamil me at fshngqueen@aol.com or www.discoverytoyslink.com/michelemarchetti or call 203-672-0681
The Discovery toys SKY Jewel Kite is a breeze to fly!!!
If you like to fly kites, you should try the beautiful Sky Jewel kite from Discovery Toys. We took it to the beach and literally did not have to take one step to get in into the air. We gave one to each of the families there with us and they are reporting the same thing. If you want to fly a kite but don't enjoy running half a mile to get it going, call me today to place your order! I'm putting them on sale today through August 5th for 10% off the regular price of $24.99 (plus shipping and tax)! Order 3 or more and receive a 15% discount. And don't forget to add a bottle or 2 of our all-natural DEET-Free insect repellent. It's safe for all ages! Http://www.discoverytoyslink.com/michelemarchetti
Monday, July 9, 2007
Can't get to the Beach? try a discovery toys cyrstal salt Ionizer to help you RE-Charge
Below is an article about negative ions. The Discovery Toys Crystal Salt Ionizer, sculpted from Himalayan rock salt, leaves the air in any room clean and fresh. With heat from an internal light bulb, moisture reacts with the rock salt and releases helpful ions into the air. It is perfect for both the home and office, and as a night lamp for your child's room.Re-Charge at the BeachYou just can’t explain that feeling you get at the beach. Maybe it’s the sound of the waves or the feeling of the sand on your toes or the warm sun replenishing your vitamin D levels. Whatever “it” is, you just feel good. Something must be in the air.According to mounting research, there really may be something in the air at the beach. Because of the constant crashing and movement of the waves, the beach contains high levels of negative ions, which is a good thing. High concentrations of negatively charged ions have long been thought to affect the way you feel, and there’s now supporting evidence they can boost mood, ease depression and even improve physical health. Negative ions can also be found in high concentrations at waterfalls and after a summer rain storm.These special air particles are actually biologically active when they enter the body, yet how they work is still unknown. Animal studies have found that living in an area free of negative ions can actually shorten the lifespan. Researchers at the Russian Academy of Sciences in Moscow found a negative ion-rich environment improves an animal’s ability to handle physical stresses. They also appear to help boost production of protective antioxidant enzymes in the body. Preliminary research conducted by Michael Terman, Ph.D. at Columbia University Medical Center, suggests that high density negative ion therapy may help those suffering from Seasonal Affect Disorder, a type of depression experienced in the winter. Besides their positive physiological effects, negative ions are thought to also help clean the air of odors, allergens and pollutants.Indoor environments tend to have very low levels of negative ions. Our modern lifestyle is to thank for that. Computers, electrical appliances and air conditioning all contribute to negative ion depletion. Think about how good it feels to open a window after a thunderstorm when you’ve been stuck inside all day, or when you roll your window down after the air conditioning has been on in the car. It just feels good!So make your vacation plans and head to wear the water moves! Or step outside every chance you get after a storm rolls through this summer. You’ll definitely do yourself some good. http://www.discoverytoyslink.com/michelemarchetti
References:
Center for Environmental Therapeutics
Psychiatric News
WebMDNutrition Review
ThinkQuest
References:
Center for Environmental Therapeutics
Psychiatric News
WebMDNutrition Review
ThinkQuest
Discovery Toys Brain Power Sale Runs through August 17th
This sale offers 27 super-fun, active-learning products for kids of all ages that will keep their minds warmed-up and engaged AT UP TO 60%. They will have such a blast that they won’t even notice their resting brains are squeezing in a little exercise while they play. To shop from the sales flier, click https://www.discoverytoyslink.com/ecommerce/control/category?category_id=S_BrainPowerSale&pcategory=S_SPECIALS&REFERRING_USER_ID=MAW463&REFERRING_COUNTRY_OF_BUSINESS=US&request=category
Make a donation to help Autism Research
You can help! Become one of my Discovery Toys customers and the proceeds of the sale will be donated to the Autism Society of CT. Call 203-672-0681 today to place your order. Thank you for your support!
Christmas in July?????
It's never too soon to start donating to Toys for Tots to help needy children during Christmas. I work with the Navy/Marine Corps Reserve Center to help provide our quality educational and developmental products for Toys for Tots. If you would like to make a donation, order products for Toys for Tots or sponsor a fundraiser or corporate set-up to help increase the number of Discovery Toys products the children get this year, please contact me right away. I can provide you with all the information you will need to help the children. Thank you!
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