In the scheme of things, I subscribe to the mantra "put your money where your mouth is....."; others call it "moxie", or ? me as to whether I'm "scared" of anything; to which the answer is YES.
Just taking the first step is the hardest (and when your big sister was there pushing you to do just that....well all I can say is; "Careful what you wish for!).
Trustworthiness
Be honest • Don’t deceive, cheat or steal • Be reliable — do what you say you’ll do • Have the courage to do the right thing • Build a good reputation • Be loyal — stand by your family, friends and country
Respect
Treat others with respect; follow the Golden Rule • Be tolerant of differences • Use good manners, not bad language • Be considerate of the feelings of others • Don’t threaten, hit or hurt anyone • Deal peacefully with anger, insults and disagreements
Responsibility
Do what you are supposed to do • Persevere: keep on trying! • Always do your best • Use self-control • Be self-disciplined • Think before you act — consider the consequences • Be accountable for your choices
Fairness
Play by the rules • Take turns and share • Be open-minded; listen to others • Don’t take advantage of others • Don’t blame others carelessly
Caring
Be kind • Be compassionate and show you care • Express gratitude • Forgive others • Help people in need
Citizenship
Do your share to make your school and community better • Cooperate • Get involved in community affairs • Stay informed; vote • Be a good neighbor • Obey laws and rules • Respect authority • Protect the environment
visit http://www.yeahyeahoutloud.com/ and see how you can become a "cheer" leader in your own right!
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Monday, April 28, 2008
Now They See
Landmark Gene Therapy Provides Vision to Nearly Blind Young Adults
(this is particularly important to YYOL; visit http://www.neverfailes.org/ )
The three individuals are participating in a Phase I clinical trial at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, which is funded in part by the Foundation Fighting Blindness.
"I am overwhelmed with delight. We are delivering vision to people who were blind. This is the biggest advancement in the 37-year history of the Foundation Fighting Blindness," says Gordon Gund, Co-Founder and Chairman of the Foundation Fighting Blindness. "We have achieved an incredible milestone in curing blindness, and this advancement will help pave the way for the development of gene therapies to treat and cure a variety of retinal diseases including: retinitis pigmentosa, Stargardt disease, Usher syndrome, and macular degeneration. This is a great day for the Foundation and all people affected by blinding retinal diseases."
The development of the approach began when a form of LCA was linked to the RPE65 gene in 1997. Three years later, researchers began giving vision to dogs born blind from LCA, including the world-famous Lancelot. More than 50 dogs have been treated and all continue to see well. The Foundation Fighting Blindness has been funding this research virtually every step of the way.
Though the Phase I studies are primarily focused on safety, the first dose used in this study resulted in improved vision. An additional six individuals will be enrolled in a continuation of this study to evaluate safety and efficacy of differing doses. The vision improvement in young adults seen so far at the lowest dose gives researchers optimism that the treatment may provide near-normal vision to children in Phase II studies.
Results of the clinical trials, funded in part by the Foundation, were published on April 28, 2008 in the New England Journal of Medicine. The journal published the results of gene therapy trials taking place at CHOP and Moorfields Eye Hospital in London. A third trial of the gene therapy, sponsored by the NEI, is also taking place at the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Florida.
Jean Bennett, M.D., Ph.D., lead investigator of the CHOP trial, reports that the team studied three participants, who ranged in age from 19 to 26. All three had one eye treated.
Bennett says that all three individuals reported improved vision in dimly lit environments and in visual acuity in their injected eyes starting two weeks after treatment. Nystagmus - the roving eye movement associated with severe vision loss from LCA - was also reduced in all three individuals.
The treatment developed by this team of investigators involves delivery of a normal RPE65 gene to the retina to augment function of the defective RPE65 gene that leads to one form of LCA. Twelve different genes that lead to LCA have been identified.
The gene is delivered using a therapeutic virus known as an adeno-associated vector or AAV.
Researchers believe the vision improvement from a single injection will last for many years. In earlier laboratory studies, a single AAV-based gene therapy in more than 50 dogs born blind from LCA has been effective for more than seven years.
This study is being carried out by an international team led by The University of Pennsylvania, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, the Second University of Naples and the Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (both in Italy), and several other American institutions.
If you are interested in supporting the Foundation Fighting Blindness in its mission to advance research initiatives such as this study and others to cure retinal diseases, click here.
(this is particularly important to YYOL; visit http://www.neverfailes.org/ )
The three individuals are participating in a Phase I clinical trial at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, which is funded in part by the Foundation Fighting Blindness.
"I am overwhelmed with delight. We are delivering vision to people who were blind. This is the biggest advancement in the 37-year history of the Foundation Fighting Blindness," says Gordon Gund, Co-Founder and Chairman of the Foundation Fighting Blindness. "We have achieved an incredible milestone in curing blindness, and this advancement will help pave the way for the development of gene therapies to treat and cure a variety of retinal diseases including: retinitis pigmentosa, Stargardt disease, Usher syndrome, and macular degeneration. This is a great day for the Foundation and all people affected by blinding retinal diseases."
The development of the approach began when a form of LCA was linked to the RPE65 gene in 1997. Three years later, researchers began giving vision to dogs born blind from LCA, including the world-famous Lancelot. More than 50 dogs have been treated and all continue to see well. The Foundation Fighting Blindness has been funding this research virtually every step of the way.
Though the Phase I studies are primarily focused on safety, the first dose used in this study resulted in improved vision. An additional six individuals will be enrolled in a continuation of this study to evaluate safety and efficacy of differing doses. The vision improvement in young adults seen so far at the lowest dose gives researchers optimism that the treatment may provide near-normal vision to children in Phase II studies.
Results of the clinical trials, funded in part by the Foundation, were published on April 28, 2008 in the New England Journal of Medicine. The journal published the results of gene therapy trials taking place at CHOP and Moorfields Eye Hospital in London. A third trial of the gene therapy, sponsored by the NEI, is also taking place at the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Florida.
Jean Bennett, M.D., Ph.D., lead investigator of the CHOP trial, reports that the team studied three participants, who ranged in age from 19 to 26. All three had one eye treated.
Bennett says that all three individuals reported improved vision in dimly lit environments and in visual acuity in their injected eyes starting two weeks after treatment. Nystagmus - the roving eye movement associated with severe vision loss from LCA - was also reduced in all three individuals.
The treatment developed by this team of investigators involves delivery of a normal RPE65 gene to the retina to augment function of the defective RPE65 gene that leads to one form of LCA. Twelve different genes that lead to LCA have been identified.
The gene is delivered using a therapeutic virus known as an adeno-associated vector or AAV.
Researchers believe the vision improvement from a single injection will last for many years. In earlier laboratory studies, a single AAV-based gene therapy in more than 50 dogs born blind from LCA has been effective for more than seven years.
This study is being carried out by an international team led by The University of Pennsylvania, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, the Second University of Naples and the Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (both in Italy), and several other American institutions.
If you are interested in supporting the Foundation Fighting Blindness in its mission to advance research initiatives such as this study and others to cure retinal diseases, click here.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Kindergarten Round Up
It's that time of year; registration for Kindergarten is in full bloom.
It's important for kids (and parents) not to fear this transition to school. While it may be exciting, there are things about it that could be difficult for everyone if you're not prepared.
A way to make it easier for all involved is to be informed!
There are Five Developmental Areas of the Early Learning and Development Benchmarks:
1) Physical Well-Being, Health, Motor Development
Children's pysical health and ability to engage in daily activities.
2) Social and Emotional Development
Children's emotional competence and ability to form positive relationships that
give meaning to children's experiences in the home, school, and community.
3) Approaches Toward Learning
Children's disposition, rather that skill, for becoming involved in learning and
acquiring knowledge.
4) Cognition and General Knowledge
Children's ability to understand and think about the physical and social worlds around them.
Includes: objects in the world, logic and math, social conventions (#s/colors) and understanding and appreciation of the arts.
5) Language, Literacy, and Communication
Children's understanding and use of language, emerging reading and writing skills, and the ability to communicate effectively.
Many school districts hold open houses and/or "classes" that both parents and children enrolling for the next school year can attend. This can help answer questions before they turn into problems once the school session begins.
YEAH YEAH Out Loud also believes, encouraging your child to know THEY are their own best "cheer" leader is a good tool to empower them with so when the going gets tough, they know they can count on not only their teachers, parents but themselves!
It's important for kids (and parents) not to fear this transition to school. While it may be exciting, there are things about it that could be difficult for everyone if you're not prepared.
A way to make it easier for all involved is to be informed!
There are Five Developmental Areas of the Early Learning and Development Benchmarks:
1) Physical Well-Being, Health, Motor Development
Children's pysical health and ability to engage in daily activities.
2) Social and Emotional Development
Children's emotional competence and ability to form positive relationships that
give meaning to children's experiences in the home, school, and community.
3) Approaches Toward Learning
Children's disposition, rather that skill, for becoming involved in learning and
acquiring knowledge.
4) Cognition and General Knowledge
Children's ability to understand and think about the physical and social worlds around them.
Includes: objects in the world, logic and math, social conventions (#s/colors) and understanding and appreciation of the arts.
5) Language, Literacy, and Communication
Children's understanding and use of language, emerging reading and writing skills, and the ability to communicate effectively.
Many school districts hold open houses and/or "classes" that both parents and children enrolling for the next school year can attend. This can help answer questions before they turn into problems once the school session begins.
YEAH YEAH Out Loud also believes, encouraging your child to know THEY are their own best "cheer" leader is a good tool to empower them with so when the going gets tough, they know they can count on not only their teachers, parents but themselves!
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Big Give Portland Pays it forward; Program for children's self-esteem
ABC’s new hit show, Oprah’s Big Give, is challenging contestants to change the lives of complete strangers. The task is simple: Give Big or Go Home!
Now Oprah Winfrey has challenged Portland to give big!
She asked KATU and Family Matters “What would you do to change the lives of people in need!"
We accepted the challenge and created Oprah’s Big Give: Portland Pays It Forward to benefit Friends of the Children, a Portland youth mentoring program that reaches out to at-risk children.
This is how YYOL is "playing" with Friends of the Children!
Good Morning Kathy,
The YYOL program looks like it would be a very beneficial curriculum for our youth. I would appreciate the opportunity to share it with our Friends (mentors) and children. One of the most important elements of our program is that we help teach the skills of positive self-efficacy… meaning that through transmission of believing in our children, often when other adults do not, causes them over time to believe in themselves. The YYOL program seems like it would help us formalize this aspect of our program in a new way. Please let me know how you would like to proceed. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Thanks!
Joe Bergen
Program Director
Friends of the Children
You too can play! Visit....
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
NAEYC’s Week of the young Child; April 13-19
In honor of the national Week of the Young Child ; http://www.naeyc.org/about/woyc/, being celebrated across the country, YEAH YEAH Out Loud, a children’s self esteem program for use in early learning environments (3-8 year olds) is “launching” its’ home grown (Vancouver, WA) efforts.
The core of this unique program compared to others is two fold:
1) YYOL™ sends the message early as a foundational building block that when the going gets tough, you are your own best “cheer” leader; vs. a fix it later remedy.
2) The YEAH YEAH Out Loud theme helps the child realize the “cheer” leader lies within. The picture book story of Hur-Ray© encouraging Kiddazy® to grow into a flower and get a YYOL face (just like Hur-Ray’s) confirms that it is only after Kiddazy® cheers on the other sprouts in a “pay it forward” fashion that the understanding that it is in the cheering on of others that Kiddazy’s® own self-esteem blooms, and YYOL is actualized.
All young children need and deserve high-quality early learning experiences that will prepare them for life, and YYOL is taking this great opportunity to do its’ part to help young children.
Some people have “Ah Ha” moments. Kathy Carpenter has YEAH YEAH Out Loud (YYOL) moments.
As the daughter of a hard-of-hearing and visually impaired father, Kathy had to be LOUD about everything. Her spirited, can-do attitude, nurtured as a child, blossomed with marriage and motherhood. “Being a mom is the best job I ever had” says Kathy (Vancouver resident for over 21 years).
The #1 fan for her two daughters, their friends and classmates, too, (Evergreen and Battle Ground school districts); Kathy became the quintessential “cheer” leader, understanding how vital unconditional support and encouragement are for children's healthy growth and development.
When the kids graduated and moved away to college, I thought my “Yeah Yeah” days were over. Being the “on-line Mom” I ended up fixing things from printers to friend issues; as well as just being available on the other end of a late night check in to say “Hey”. While they used common acronyms to chat, I found my own; YYOL! They could “hear” me!
Then a special invitation came. It was a call from our “son”, then a college freshman, who invited me to be at “Mom’s weekend”. Being the “cheer” leader I am, I felt bad thinking I didn’t have any school colors/spirit items for his college.
It was this experience that was the inspiration which led to the creation of Kiddazy® and Hur-Ray (a concept that evolved into a full blown self esteem program) who have become symbols to represent that there is always someone there to “cheer” kids on!
Kiddazy® and Hur-Ray are not limited to one school or group, but their faces say ”Yeah Yeah Out Loud” for those that need encouragement, regardless of nationality, ability or status.
Through Hur-Ray (the sun) and Kiddazy® (a flower) Kathy found the voice to spread YEAH YEAH everywhere.
Visit www.yeahyeahoutloud.com and see how your community can become YYOL and together help to give all young children a great start!
The core of this unique program compared to others is two fold:
1) YYOL™ sends the message early as a foundational building block that when the going gets tough, you are your own best “cheer” leader; vs. a fix it later remedy.
2) The YEAH YEAH Out Loud theme helps the child realize the “cheer” leader lies within. The picture book story of Hur-Ray© encouraging Kiddazy® to grow into a flower and get a YYOL face (just like Hur-Ray’s) confirms that it is only after Kiddazy® cheers on the other sprouts in a “pay it forward” fashion that the understanding that it is in the cheering on of others that Kiddazy’s® own self-esteem blooms, and YYOL is actualized.
All young children need and deserve high-quality early learning experiences that will prepare them for life, and YYOL is taking this great opportunity to do its’ part to help young children.
Some people have “Ah Ha” moments. Kathy Carpenter has YEAH YEAH Out Loud (YYOL) moments.
As the daughter of a hard-of-hearing and visually impaired father, Kathy had to be LOUD about everything. Her spirited, can-do attitude, nurtured as a child, blossomed with marriage and motherhood. “Being a mom is the best job I ever had” says Kathy (Vancouver resident for over 21 years).
The #1 fan for her two daughters, their friends and classmates, too, (Evergreen and Battle Ground school districts); Kathy became the quintessential “cheer” leader, understanding how vital unconditional support and encouragement are for children's healthy growth and development.
When the kids graduated and moved away to college, I thought my “Yeah Yeah” days were over. Being the “on-line Mom” I ended up fixing things from printers to friend issues; as well as just being available on the other end of a late night check in to say “Hey”. While they used common acronyms to chat, I found my own; YYOL! They could “hear” me!
Then a special invitation came. It was a call from our “son”, then a college freshman, who invited me to be at “Mom’s weekend”. Being the “cheer” leader I am, I felt bad thinking I didn’t have any school colors/spirit items for his college.
It was this experience that was the inspiration which led to the creation of Kiddazy® and Hur-Ray (a concept that evolved into a full blown self esteem program) who have become symbols to represent that there is always someone there to “cheer” kids on!
Kiddazy® and Hur-Ray are not limited to one school or group, but their faces say ”Yeah Yeah Out Loud” for those that need encouragement, regardless of nationality, ability or status.
Through Hur-Ray (the sun) and Kiddazy® (a flower) Kathy found the voice to spread YEAH YEAH everywhere.
Visit www.yeahyeahoutloud.com and see how your community can become YYOL and together help to give all young children a great start!
Friday, April 4, 2008
It's a great time for Pre K funding
States get their Pre-K programs funded in a variety of ways. General Revenues, School Funding Formulas, Lottery Revenues, Public-private Partnership, Gaming Revenues, Tobacco Tax and Tobacco Settlement Funds.
In a time of possible recession, it's good to see policymakers, educators and business community leaders accelerate the national momentum for state pre-k expansion.
A couple great reviews of the status for things in your state are at:
http://nieer.org/yearbook/
http://nccic.org/itcc/publications/qrsdesignelements.htm
http://www.everychildmatters.org/homelandinsecurity/index_geomatters.html
http://preknow.org/
In light of states allocating funds in this specific area of education, YEAH YEAH Out Loud would like you to review our program!
YEAH YEAH Out Loud has created a program to help child care providers focus on self esteem enrichment for children 3-8 years old. The materials in this program promote children’s’ ability to appreciate themselves as remarkable pieces of work; nourish their minds and bodies; and earn respect of others!
Child care workers nurture and care for children who have not yet entered formal schooling and also work with older children in before- and after-school settings. You play an important role in a child’s development by caring for the child when parents are at work or away for other reasons. In addition to attending to children’s basic needs, child care workers organize activities that stimulate children’s physical, emotional, intellectual, and social growth. They help children explore individual interests, develop talents and independence, build self-esteem, and learn how to get along with others.
The story of Hur-Ray and Kiddazy® provides a full-color picture book and puppets that are a fun and innovative way to bring imaginations to life. Role-play group discussions build self-esteem and explore awareness with these adorable characters.
YYOL includes the three learning styles (visual, auditory and kinesthetic), since it is important to teach in each child’s dominant learning style, the variety YYOL offers can be effective in large or small group lessons.
Using toys as teaching tools can produce quicker and longer lasting results. Through interactive play, children develop important foundational skills to enhance and refine their natural inclination to imagine and use this special ability as a powerful vehicle for developing language, creativity and relaxation resulting in a positive self-concept. This gives them self-confidence, and successful images.
"Universally educators, researchers, and parents, agree that the first years of life are essential to future learning". (UNESCO)
-Early learning is the foundation for life-long learning
-Families are our children’s first teachers
-All children deserve a time and place to be children
-Diverse perspectives enrich children’s lives
-Play is learning
Early experiences have a decisive impact on the architecture of the brains, and on the nature and extent of adult capacities.
Early interactions don’t just create a context; they directly affect the way the brain is wired.
-From Rethinking the Brain; New insights into Early Development by Rima Shore
See how your organization can become "cheer" leaders with YYOL!
In a time of possible recession, it's good to see policymakers, educators and business community leaders accelerate the national momentum for state pre-k expansion.
A couple great reviews of the status for things in your state are at:
http://nieer.org/yearbook/
http://nccic.org/itcc/publications/qrsdesignelements.htm
http://www.everychildmatters.org/homelandinsecurity/index_geomatters.html
http://preknow.org/
In light of states allocating funds in this specific area of education, YEAH YEAH Out Loud would like you to review our program!
YEAH YEAH Out Loud has created a program to help child care providers focus on self esteem enrichment for children 3-8 years old. The materials in this program promote children’s’ ability to appreciate themselves as remarkable pieces of work; nourish their minds and bodies; and earn respect of others!
Child care workers nurture and care for children who have not yet entered formal schooling and also work with older children in before- and after-school settings. You play an important role in a child’s development by caring for the child when parents are at work or away for other reasons. In addition to attending to children’s basic needs, child care workers organize activities that stimulate children’s physical, emotional, intellectual, and social growth. They help children explore individual interests, develop talents and independence, build self-esteem, and learn how to get along with others.
The story of Hur-Ray and Kiddazy® provides a full-color picture book and puppets that are a fun and innovative way to bring imaginations to life. Role-play group discussions build self-esteem and explore awareness with these adorable characters.
YYOL includes the three learning styles (visual, auditory and kinesthetic), since it is important to teach in each child’s dominant learning style, the variety YYOL offers can be effective in large or small group lessons.
Using toys as teaching tools can produce quicker and longer lasting results. Through interactive play, children develop important foundational skills to enhance and refine their natural inclination to imagine and use this special ability as a powerful vehicle for developing language, creativity and relaxation resulting in a positive self-concept. This gives them self-confidence, and successful images.
"Universally educators, researchers, and parents, agree that the first years of life are essential to future learning". (UNESCO)
-Early learning is the foundation for life-long learning
-Families are our children’s first teachers
-All children deserve a time and place to be children
-Diverse perspectives enrich children’s lives
-Play is learning
Early experiences have a decisive impact on the architecture of the brains, and on the nature and extent of adult capacities.
Early interactions don’t just create a context; they directly affect the way the brain is wired.
-From Rethinking the Brain; New insights into Early Development by Rima Shore
See how your organization can become "cheer" leaders with YYOL!
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