Magicalms.com ~ Magical Moments

The last week of school deserves special planning and sensitivity so that children experience both closure and an understanding of where and what they will be doing after their last day of school.  Even if it requires phone calls to each child’s home, it is necessary for the teacher to be as informed as possible so that he/she can help each child to be ready and to feel confident about his/her next step in life’s journey. During this week, it is important for boys and girls to review the 2009/2010 school year, help pack away books and supplies, and say goodbye to each other, support staff, and other teachers. It may be a grand time to celebrate children’s birthdays that occur during the summer months, have the kids create Father’s Day cards/gifts, and write/dictate stories about their favorite or least special school experience.  It is also a wonderful time for the teacher to spend a few minutes with each of the children in order to praise his/her accomplishments, applaud his/her trials, express confidence in future endeavors, and relay at least one memorable incident that occurred during the year. If you are able, it would be awesome to send a class picture home with each student and would be super to include a little note expressing how fortunate you feel to have been their teacher.

Some favorite stories to read this week include:

• Margaret the Magnificent by Donna B. Mavrides
• Only One You, by Linda Kranz
• Thank you by David Milgrim
• I’m Thankful for Each Day by P.K. Hallinan
• That’s what a Friend is by P.K. Hallinan
• Whoever You Are by Mem Fox

I look forward to hearing from my readers this summer as I enjoy, relax, and plan for the upcoming school year.  If you would like to purchase The Magical Moments Curriculum Guide or any of my picture books, please let me know and your selections will be mailed directly to you.

Happy summer to all,

Magical Educating!

Donna Mavrides
Magical Moments
www.magicalms.com

“Margaret the Magnificent” is a heartwarming story to read at any time, but, especially relevant when children are embarking on new experiences like summer camp, moving to a new house, changing classrooms, teachers, and/or schools.  Margaret is an enormous, shaggy, black and white sheepdog who possesses magical powers.  She not only barks like a typical dog, but, is also able to speak like you and me. The lovable dog is known as, Margaret the Miracle Maker, because of her ability to travel the globe assisting children and animals; the amazing sheepdog  feels when children and animals need extra doses of love, friendship, and guidance.

In this adventure, Margaret travels to visit with a little girl who is frightened about beginning classes at a new school. The lovable sheepdog’s friendship and encouragement enable the child to have the self confidence and sense of adventure necessary for success.

As we adults know, self confidence is a gift that we give ourselves which enables us to move forward even when circumstances are unclear, scary, and/or novel.  In order for our children to feel self confident, they must have positive experiences that bolster their self image.  Reading “Margaret the Magnificent” as well as other books that enhance self image, will communicate the message that we believe in our children. If we show our children that we have confidence in them, they will feel competent and ready to tackle age-appropriate challenges and new experiences.

Stories written by Donna Mavrides are available thru her web site, www.magicalms.com

• “Margaret the Magnificent”
• “Margaret the Magnificent visits the Everglades”
• “Forever Love”
• “Room for One More”

Magical Educating!

Donna Mavrides
Magical Moments
www.magicalms.com

“Margaret the Magnificent” is an extraordinary sheep dog who travels the globe creating magical moments for boys and girls.  In her first book, Margaret visits with a child who is feeling frightened about changing schools.  In the story, the lovable, shaggy dog empowers the child with the self confidence necessary for success. Margaret’s friendship, guidance and of course  extra love and doggy kisses help the child to  have a joyous first day at her new school.

In “Margaret the Magnificent Visits the Everglades”, the huge dog invites the reader to join her as she explores the Everglades National Park where she becomes friendly with its inhabitants.  Throughout this adventure, the super dog becomes aware of the dangers facing the Everglades’ ecosystem. In the story, Margaret is determined to help her friends, Ali the alligator and Crock the crocodile save their home while encouraging all of us to make “greener” choices.

The book, “Margaret the Magnificent visits the Everglades” is brought to life with Ann Pilicer’s illustrations and with Rodney Cammauf’s photographs.  The book is complete with a child friendly index that includes words used in the book that are associated with The Everglades National Park. The next book in the “Margaret the Magnificent “ series will take place in the rainforests of Africa and will  be released this summer.

Donna B. Mavrides is the author of the Margaret the Magnificent stories and owner of this website.

In order to purchase one of these two books, please visit her web site, www.magicalms.com or contact her at donnamavrides@yahoo.com

Magical Educating!

Donna Mavrides
Magical Moments
www.magicalms.com

Margaret the Magnivident Visits the Everglades by Donna Mavrides
Illustrated by Ann Pilicer

Margaret the Magnificent Visits the Everglades is dedicated to children and aduilts who believe int he power of friendship, beauty and the belief that working together will create a “greener” world.  The enormous, super dog has unique powers that enable her to transform the ordinary into magical moments.  The lovable sheepdog motivates children to have both the self confidence and resolve to make our world more extraordinary by filling it with laughter, love, dedication, understanding, and joy.

Magical Educating!

Donna Mavrides
Magical Moments
www.magicalms.com

Margaret the Magnivident Visits the Everglades by Donna Mavrides
Illustrated by Ann Pilicer

Margaret the Magnificent, the extraordinary shaggy sheepdog, invites you to join her as she travels to Florida to meet Ali the Alligator and Croc the Crocodile! While visiting the reptiles’ home in the Everglades, the magical dog learns about the National Park, its inhabitants, and the dangers that their ecosystem are facing.  Along with Margaret, the reader will be acquainted with the swamp’s beautiful aminals, plant life, and with Ali and Croc’s plea for help.

Throughout Margaret the Magnificent Visits the Everglades, the reader will be captivated by Rodney Cammauf’s real images of The National Park.  Mr. Cammauf’s photographs, along with Pilicer’s  amazing illustrations, make us feel as if we are in the Everglades alongside the loveable sheepdog.

Please join Margaret, in her newest adventure, as she brings the Everglades to life, encourages us to assist Ali and Croc with their ecological challenges, and motivates us to work towards creating a “greener world.”

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE THIS WONDERFUL NEW BOOK!

The big night has finally arrived, Shana the sheepdog, better known as Margaret the Magnificent is taking her Good Citizen’s Test.  A passing grade will enable her to accompany me as I read and visit with boys and girls in schools and hospitals. If she passes the grueling exam, she will be an official Therapy Dog.

You may be wondering, is the test truly grueling? Does it involve great feats?  What is expected of the animal?  Well my friends, Shana will have to walk alongside me without pulling; a task just a little hard for my furry friend.  She will also have to sit and lay down on command and wait until I tell her it is time to move on.  Oh dear, my independent dog is accustomed to making her own choices. I hope she follows the rules tonight! And then, Shana will be asked to sit still while I walk about 100 yards from her.  This challenge is most difficult because my four legged little girl is just a hint dependent; she definitely has issues with separation.

After practicing and discussing the challenges inherent to the exam, I believe that Shana understands what must be done. I have assured my sweet pup that if she is not successful, it is ok, because my love for her is unconditional.  If we must, we will continue to persevere until we are ready to take the test again.  Please join me in wishing Shana good luck with her Good Citizen’s Exam. Wait, you know what? I think it looks like rain.  Hooray, maybe, we won’t have to test my sheepdog’s skills tonight.   Hugs to all of our two and four legged friends!!

Three hours later:

P.S.  Shana, the sheepdog, passed her Good Citizenship Test and is now an official Therapy Dog.  Hooray for Shana!! I am so proud.

Magical Educating!

Donna Mavrides
Magical Moments
www.magicalms.com

Don’t Miss This Magical Moment by Author & Educator Donna Mavrides!

Margaret the Magnificent
is an enormous, shaggy, black and white sheepdog that invites you to join her as she travels the globe creating magical moments for boys and girls.