Vanilla and Chocolate Recipe

 Vanilla and Chocolate was published in October 2012. This book was written to help children understand the virtue of Tolerance.

Main Setting: Vanilla and Chocolate main setting is at the Black and White Picnic where the development of the story mainly takes place. 

Plot: A concerned teacher helps two friends be together after their parents refused to let them play because of their skin color.

Characters: Mrs. M. prepared a Black and White Picnic Day where Vanilla and Chocolate’s parents recognized their kid’s friendship.

Vanilla’s parents arrived at the event with a huge tub of vanilla and chocolate ice-cream. Here’s a simple Vanilla and Chocolate Ice-cream recipe for classrooms.

Vanilla and Chocolate Ice-cream Recipe:

Objective: Make connections between ice-cream flavor to skin colors to build tolerance.

Ingredients: For K- 3er graders

1/2 gallon of Vanilla Ice cream

1/2 gallon of Chocolate Ice cream

Plastic bowls (one per each student)

Plastic spoons (one per each student)

Additional Optional ingredients: For 3-5 graders

Cherries

Caramel Syrup
Sprinkles 

Instructions:

1.    Set-up a table with the ice-creams tubs, bowls and spoons.

2.    Call each student to take one spoon of each ice-cream even if they don’t like one of the flavors.

3.    Let them be free to mix the colors, separate them or eat it.

The last page of the story contains a vocabulary page and questions for discussion with children. After the recipe activity, use the questions to reinforce the lesson.

Questions:

1. What was the best part of the story?
2. What is your favorite illustration?
3.  What did you learn about this tale?

This book is dedicated to all teachers who dedicate their lives to education.

The last page of the story contains a vocabulary page and questions for discussion with children at home or at school.

For more activities visit: 
http://www.luzdelmes.com/ldm.php?ldm=learningactivities

Social Media:

E-mail: hazeleyes@luzdelmes.com
Website: http://www.luzdelmes.com/

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/MaritzaMartinezMejia

Amazon Author Page:

http://www.amazon.com/Maritza-Martinez-Mejia/e/B009DKDXFW/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

Twitter: https://twitter.com/luzdelmes

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/luzdelmes2015/bilingual-children-books/

Lessons for Living Book Trailer: 
https://youtu.be/Kdz9mG1Xc5k  via @YouTube

Building Tolerance with Vanilla and Chocolate

Meet Vanilla and Chocolate Characters and Story

By Maritza Martinez Mejia - Author

For Multicultural Children’s Book Day 2016, I was interview by Charlotte Riggle who asked me the following question:

Q. Nearly all of the bilingual English-Spanish books I've seen are about the cultures and traditions of Spanish-speaking communities. Vanilla and Chocolate is not. How did you choose the topic of the book? What have parents and teachers said about the book?
A. This is an excellent question and thank you for asking! As an educator and immigrant, I have encountered different situation related to discrimination. Vanilla and Chocolate main purpose is to teach how to build tolerance in our classrooms and homes. I have received good feedback from teachers and students, but a few parents do not like to talk about that topic. I respect their decisions and accept any kind of critics with respect.

After this question, I decided to present to you my first book from the Collection Lessons for Living: Vanilla and Chocolate. A Bilingual Children Book for K - 3er graders and Beginning Spanish learner. 

Vanilla and Chocolate was published in October 2012. This book was written to help children understand the virtue of Tolerance. This virtue gives a fair attitude toward those whose opinions, race, religion and customs differ from one's own.  Race does not matter as long as you tolerate and appreciate each other’s differences. 

Vanilla and Chocolate invites the reader to talk with children at home or at school about this topic since each story contains a vocabulary page and questions for discussion. 

The last page of the story contains a vocabulary page and questions for discussion with children at home or at school.

Main Setting: Vanilla and Chocolate main setting is at the Black and White Picnic where the development of the story mainly takes place. 

Plot: A concerned teacher helps two friends be together after their parents refused to let them play because of their skin color.

Characters: Mrs. M. prepared a Black and White Day where Vanilla and Chocolate’s parents recognized their kid’s friendship.

Vanilla and Chocolate Characters
Illustrations by Estella Mejia 

Presenting Mrs. M.
A concerned teacher helps two friends be together after their parents refused to let them play because of their skin color.

Presenting Second and Third Character 
Vanilla loves to play with Chocolate until the day his parents didn't allow him to play with his best friend anymore...Guest Why?

Learning Activities with Vanilla and Chocolate:

1.    I use Vanilla and Chocolate during Martin Luther King Jr. Week or Black History Month, but any time is a good time for a good Read Aloud book.

2.    After reading, I use a Sequence of Events Activity. You can use any plan to fit your student’s need.

3.    I discuss with students the topic of Tolerance. It is amazing all the misconceptions about racism. It is important to be honest, respect ideas and help students build tolerance.

This book is dedicated to all teachers who dedicate their lives to education.

For reviews about this book visit: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16249983-vanilla-and-chocolate-vainilla-y-chocolate

For more activities visit: http://www.luzdelmes.com/ldm.php?ldm=learningactivities

For reviews about this book visit: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16249983-vanilla-and-chocolate-vainilla-y-chocolate

Social Media:

E-mail: hazeleyes@luzdelmes.com
Website: http://www.luzdelmes.com/

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/MaritzaMartinezMejia

Amazon Author Page:

http://www.amazon.com/Maritza-Martinez-Mejia/e/B009DKDXFW/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

Twitter: https://twitter.com/luzdelmes

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/luzdelmes2015/bilingual-children-books/

Lessons for Living Book Trailer: https://youtu.be/Kdz9mG1Xc5k  via @YouTube

Three Kings Day - Celebrate Traditions

     

http://catday.net/tag/free-three-three-kings-day-clip-art

Three Kings Day is celebrated after The Twelve Days of Christmas. This is a Christian holiday also known as Día de Los Reyes Magos or Epiphany. Observed on January 6th, but different churches recognize it on diverse dates. It evokes the biblical adoration of the Magi who visited the infant Jesus after his birth. ~Mathew 2~ 

Some facts about Three Kings Day

·         The kings' names were Melchior, Caspar and Balthazar.

·         They gave Jesus gold, frankincense and myrrh.

·         The kings brought their gifts in vessels called ciboria.

·         In Puerto Rico, children leave hay in their shoes for the kings' camels to eat.

·         In Spain, children leave letters to the kings.

·         In Mexico and some Hispanic communities often serve Rosca de Reyes. 

Three King Cake or Rosca de Reyes

Three King Cake is a circular fruitcake inside which a small hidden statue of a baby Jesus. The person, who finds the child Jesus, must make a feast day of La Candelaria, which is on February 2^nd.  That day is invited the same group that was at Three Kings party and the guess brings tamales or Mexican pastries.

Recipe: http://catholiccuisine.blogspot.com/2009/01/gift-of-magi-bread.html

Be creative and use your favorite recipe to make Rosca de Reyes to Keep Traditions alive. I am from Colombia and What about to use a Pan de Queso Colombiano?

Here is the recipe: http://www.mycolombianrecipes.com/es/pan-de-queso-colombiano

Rosca de Reyes before

Rosca de Reyes after

Activities for Three Kings Day

1. Coloring Three Kings Cards: Visit the link to print the design

http://www.coloring-pages-kids.com/religious/index.php

2. Cut and Paste Peace Card: Use old Christmas Cards

3. Three Kings Crown: Trace, Cut, Open

Create your own Three Kings Crown.

Happy Three Kings Day!

January Spotlight Interview with Agatha Rodi

Agatha Rodi on Luz Del Mes February Spotlight Interview by Maritza Martinez Mejia

Welcome Agatha to Spotlight Interview! Tell me:

Q 1. What makes you proud to be a writer from Greece?

A 1. It's the feeling of making known my culture and traditions to the globe especially now when Greeks feel so depressed and used because of financial austerity. Then I would like to have the Greek Americans of 2nd and 3rd generation to get to know about the country of their origin and find out of what makes Greece such an exceptional place. Greece is a small country but with such a great history, writing for Greek issues for children or adults makes me feel that I contribute on making known the Greek ways and beliefs to a greater context.

Q 2. What or who inspired you to write Amelia Gets Busy!? 

A 2. Firstly I was thinking of my grandmother or yiayia as we say in Greek and then there is my friend Amalia Balch, a Greek adoptee that flew to U.S.A in 1955. I knew deep inside her she wished to have known her Greek yiayia so that's how 'Amelie Gets Busy" was born. I thought of how a girl visiting her Greek yiayia would feel and what would impress her. I wrote the rhymes in no time and i had more that aren't included in the e-book version but will surely be included in the print book.

Q 3.  Do you come up with your title before or after you write the manuscript? 

A 3. I had come up with a title while writing the manuscript but when the e-book was ready my illustrator contributed to having the existent title. Even my friend Amalia and I were searching for the right name, I still remember Amalia asking me after reading the text "well can she bea Florence? Oh! No she can't", "can she be a Shelley? Oh! No she can't. “I had the name Amelie in mind so when I got a present with the name Amelie on it I knew that was a sign, this girl had to be an 'Amelie.'

Q 4. Why do you prefer to write in rhymes? 

A 4. I wrote in rhyme thinking that this e-book was my first attempt to know the market and I wanted to present something that it would be joyful for the kids to read. I was and still am very passionate about this book and of what I wanted to make known thru it. I want the kids who read it to feel the rhythm of the words and remember the rhymes; at least this is how I felt when I was writing it. The images I had in mind were leading my writing and I didn't think not even once to make it a short story. I guess it was meant to be!

Q 5. What is your promotion strategy to promote your children book?

A 5. I am new to this and I am on the other side of the world, in Greece trying to promote my book, know the rules of the American Market, try to find out how things work, be connected with other writers. It’s not so easy as it means countless nights being sleepless, searching on blogs, on sites, reading and emailing magazines, groups on Facebook bloggers who review, checking any source till I realize it's reliable so that I connect and wait patiently till an interview or a review may follow. I follow my instinct on this then what other writers have suggested is to have ads on blogs and as much exposure of the book as possible. I have subscribed on sites that I don't have to pay which promote for free writers and their books. I haven't decided yet on which way is the best to promote the book when it comes in print, this is something I am searching these days.

Thank you for your time to answer this question for Luz Del Mes Spotlight Interview.

Agatha Rodi Book: Perfect Book for Spring time!

Contact Agatha Rodi:

E-mail: agatharodi@hotmail.com
Website: https://agatharodi.wordpress.com 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gregagatha.rodi
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AgathaRodi

Planning Ideas for the New Year

     

Designed by Estella Mejia

Tips for Success

www.luzdelmes.com

If you are like many who need to be organized,what is your plan for the New Year? 

I have some ideas that may help you find the right path for a successful beginning. 

Step by step you reach far. Go ahead! 

Have a productive 2016!

1. Use Picture Boards or Vision Boards to remind you the path you desire to follow, and the goals you hope to achieve during the upcoming year using the power of images. For detailed information visit: http://www.franticmommy.com/2015/11/hows-2016-goal-planning-going-dream-boards-planners.html

2. Planners or Calendars to mark important due dates, meetings, anniversaries, birthdays or any important days you don’t want to miss. There a vast variety of calendars and planners. Which one is your best planner or calendar?

I frankly use the calendar I received at the New Year’s Mass at my local church. I use it as MASTER CALENDAR. I mark all my children's important school days and activities in black pen. I use blue pen for my working days as substitute teacher and purple for my book signing or book exhibitions. Finally, I use a red pen for important family activities or medical appointments. I happily use green for our TRIPS.

3. Monthly Check List for a simple way to mark important dates in a list by month. After the task is done,you cross it off the list with red pen or your favorite color pen. For me, the satisfaction of completing a task is unique.

No matter the style you use, it is important to get organized and set goals to achieve success. Make your dreams and turn them into goals to 2016.
What is your planning style?

Social Media:

E-mail: hazeleyes@luzdelmes.com

Website: http://www.luzdelmes.com/
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/MaritzaMartinezMejia

Amazon Author Page:

http://www.amazon.com/Maritza-Martinez-Mejia/e/B009DKDXFW/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

Twitter: https://twitter.com/luzdelmes

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/luzdelmes2015/bilingual-children-books/

Blog: http://luzdelmes.blogspot.com/

Tips for Success

Designed by Estella Mejia

How are your goals from January going?

No worries, if you are behind, step by step you reach far.

Make plans for a productive February!

Make your dreams and turn them into goals.
What is your planning style?

Read: http://luzdelmes.blogspot.com/2016/01/planning-ideas-for-new-year.html

Social Media:
E-mail: hazeleyes@luzdelmes.com

Website: http://www.luzdelmes.com/ 

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/MaritzaMartinezMejia

Amazon :http://www.amazon.com/Maritza-Martinez-Mejia/e/B009DKDXFW

Twitter: https://twitter.com/luzdelmes

Blog: http://luzdelmes.blogspot.com/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/luzdelmes/

Welcome January - Bienvenido Enero

Reflections by Maritza Martínez Mejía

January is usually a month to make resolutions.It is gratifying to meet our goals. But do we continue these goals throughout the year? Probably not; however, it is important to begin with a purpose in mind. What is your plan for 2016?
May the Bethlehem Star guide your path!

holidaysimages.org

First Cold

Early gentle wind

First front cold embrace the air

Let’s help Mother Earth!

(Haiku, @2016 Mejía)

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Enero es un mes usualmente para hacer resoluciones. Es gratificante cumplir nuestras metas. Pero ¿seguimos esas metas durante todo el año? Probablemente no; sin embargo, es importante empezar el año con un propósito en mente. ¿Cuál es tu plan 2016?
¡Que la Estrella de Belém guie tus pasos!

¡Feliz Enero!
Visit: www.luzdelmes.com