Lesson Plan For The Book "Jumpi Goes To Camp"

TOPICS: Fear, Trying New Things, Courage, Friendship, Camp

Lesson Plan For The Book "Cant Loses His Cool"

TOPICS: Temper Tantrums, Frustration, Anger, Emotional Expression.

Lesson Plan For The Book "Drain And The Mystery Of Sleep"

TOPICS: Healthy Habits, Exercise, Nutrition.

Lesson Plan For The Book "Abash and The Cyber-Bully"

TOPICS: Bullying, Cyber-Bullying, Internet Safety, Self-Esteem, Embarrassment, Friendship.

Tune In On Monday December 8th at 12 noon PST.

www.myexpertsolution.com

Hear Matt interviewed about the Emotes and the importance of emotional intelligence!

Feel Your Feelings!

Book Reading In Los Angeles!!!

Boom isn't feeling angry today. Nope. He's feeling EXCITED!

Why, you ask? Because he will be at the Emotes book reading in
Los Angeles, California...

BORDERS BOOKSTORE
Westfield Shopping Mall
10250 Santa Monica Blvd. Century City, California
Saturday December 6th, 2008
2pm

Storytime! Meet The Authors! Prizes! Giveaways!
Meet Boom And Super LIVE In Person
Have Your Emotes Book Signed!
FUN FUN FUN

A story about being afraid...

When I was at the Miami Book Fair, a mother and her 7 year old son came to our booth to say "hello." They both loved meeting the Emotes. The boy quickly picked up a Jumpi toy (he is the scared Emote) and hugged him. Next, he began to read Jumpi's book, "Jumpi Goes To Camp". It's a book all about being afraid. Jumpi has scary dreams and is afraid of doing things that he has never done before. The boy said that he was having scary dreams too.

I said, "It's okay to be scared. It's a totally normal feeling. Everyone feels scared sometimes. I'm glad that you could tell me about it."

I wondered what was making the boy feel scared. The boy's mom told me that he was going to the hospital soon. He was going to have an operation, and would have to stay in the hospital for quite a long time.

"I understand why you are afraid," I said. "I bet that you both have MANY different feelings." The boy and his mother both nodded their heads "yes."

We talked for a long time. The mom and I both had tears in our eyes. I was feeling many different feelings too. One feeling that I had was happiness. I was SO happy that the boy and his mom were talking about their feelings. I was also very happy that the boy had made a new friend in Jumpi, and didn't have to be alone with his feelings. I gave the boy the Jumpi toy and Jumpi's book. This seemed to make the boy happy too.

I have been thinking a lot about this boy and his mother. I hope that Jumpi will help to remind the boy that it is okay to be afraid. I also hope that Jumpi will remind the boy that he is not alone. He has people (and Emotes) that care about him and love him.

Emotes In Sunny Miami, Florida

Hello, Florida!

The Emotes team went to Miami, Florida to attend a book fair. Many people met the Emotes for the first time, AND many people went home with a brand new Emotes book. Happy reading!

Here's a picture of our booth. This is where we hung out. We talked about the Emotes books and answered questions. We also had a "tattoo station" where we helped kids put on Emotes temporary tattoos. There were even some adults who wanted one. How cool is that?!

Here's Matt getting ready to read to a bunch of very excited kids. Cant was feeling frustrated because the sun was really bright. Where are their sunglasses? Sheesh, it is SUNNY Florida after all.

Look at all the kiddos! They had lots of good ideas about how to handle their feelings...

"Talk about them!" "Keep your cool!" "Take a deep breath!"

Emotes Invade New York!!!!

Here's the Border's Store in New York City where we met some new friends. We read the Emotes book "Can't Loses His Cool".

Everyone seemed to have a lot of fun. We talked about the feelings of disappointment, anger and frustration.

Then, we talked about what to DO when you are feeling disappointed, frustrated or mad. How about taking a few deep breaths, and counting to 10? We all did this together and felt VERY relaxed. What makes you feel frustrated? What helps you to feel relaxed?

THE EMOTES TAKE MANHATTAN!

Meet The Emotes in NEW YORK CITY!

Authors Matt Casper and Ted Dorsey will be appearing in person to read from the Emotes books.

Learn about the Emotes. Have a book signed. Ask questions. Have fun!

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 6th

Border's Bookstore

32nd and 2nd in New York City
3:30 pm

Have a Fun and Safe Halloween

Halloween Time Is Fun Time! Check Out These Ideas To Make Sure That It's A Safe Time Too!







WHEN YOU TRICK-OR-TREAT...

BRING A FLASHLIGHT: You want to see where you're going don't you?

BRING A GROWN UP: It's more fun to trick-or-treat with an adult. They'll make sure that you stay safe AND sometimes they can help you find the houses with the best candy :)

STAY ON SIDEWALKS: When you cruise around in the street, fast cruising cars might not see you. Steer clear of these guys. Stay on the sidewalk, and cross the street at crosswalks and stoplights. Okay?

OH, HEY...CAN YOU SEE? If you are wearing a creepy or funny mask, make sure that your eyes aren't covered. You will want to see where you are walking, and what sorts of treats you are getting!

REFLECT IT UP! Try putting some glow in the dark or reflective tape on your costume. It looks cool to glow, AND you will be seen...this keeps you safe.

ARE THE LIGHTS ON? Only go to houses that are brightly lit with their lights on. The houses with no lights on means, "Sorry kids, not feeling the halloween spirit".

DON'T GO IN! Never go into the house of a stranger on Halloween. You can politely say, "No thanks, I'll just take the candy right here on the front porch."

WHERE ARE YOU? Make sure to stay in neighborhoods that you know. It's not a good idea to wander into places that don't look familiar. Keep it safe by keeping it close to home. There's plenty of candy, don't worry!

CHOW DOWN ONLY AT HOME I know candy is pretty sweet, BUT wait to chow down until you and an adult can sort through your loot. An adult can help you make sure that your candy is cool.

AVOID THE BELLY ACHE Dude! Control yourself! If you eat too much candy you will feel like there is a monster living in your belly. Slow down and enjoy a few pieces of your favorite candy...it will taste a lot sweeter.

THANK YOU! Don't forget to say "THANK YOU" when your neighbors throw treats into your bag. AND don't forget to thank the adults that go trick-or-treating with you, (it's a pretty cool thing for them to do for you).






AND DON'T FORGET...
HAVE FUN!
HAPPY...
HALLOWEEN!

Happy Halloween!

Halloween Is Just Around The Corner...Which Emote Could You Be?

Have You Ever Lost Your Cool?

When Someone Says, "Don't Lose Your Cool" It Means, "Take Some Time To Relax Before You Have A Temper Tantrum."

Cant Sometimes Loses His Cool When He Cannot Have Something That He Wants.

It's Frustrating When You Don't Get Your Way...But You Can't Have Things Go Your Way All The Time.

Screaming And Yelling Won't Help You To Get What You Want. Nope.
No One Wants To Listen To Screaming And Yelling.

When You Take A Deep Breath, Relax and TALK About How You're Feeling, More People Will Listen.

USE YOUR WORDS!

Feeling Frustrated Is No Fun.
When You Feel Frustrated It's Even Sometimes Hard To Talk.
Maybe You Just Feel Like Yelling And Screaming Or Crying.
Yeah, I Can Understand That....BUT...
It's SOOO Much Better When You PUT YOUR FEELINGS INTO WORDS.
Tell Someone How You Feel, By Saying Your Feelings With Words...
Not Screams!

Look At The Picture Up Above.
What Words Could Imp Use To Say How He Is Feeling?

WORD SEARCH: FIND THE WORDS FOR YOUR FEELINGS

E	W	O	R	R	I	E	D
X	B	D	D	C	A	D	S
C	O	N	D	O	N	Y	H
I	R	H	U	N	G	R	Y
T	E	S	M	F	R	H	G
E	D	A	A	U	Y	A	L
D	A	D	D	S	A	P	A
S	C	A	R	E	D	P	D
T	I	R	E	D	W	Y	S

Find these feeling words...

glad mad sad happy
scared angry shy excited
tired worried bored hungry
confused

Emotes In Duke University Magazine

HEY PARENTS! Check out an article about Emotes in Duke Magazine!

(Parents Click On Me)

Cyber-Bullies

Cyber-Bullies use the internet or cellphones to say mean things or spread rumors about other people. Remember, if you are ever bullied TELL SOMEONE!

You don't have to be alone with your feelings.

Bullies are usually mad or sad about something...something that has NOTHING to do with you.

INTERNET SAFETY TIPS

*If you are surfing the net and you enter a website that makes you feel uncomfortable or scared tell someone RIGHT AWAY.

*Protect yourself. NEVER send personal information about yourself into cyberspace unless you talk to your parents FIRST.

*Keep your private information private—your telephone number and address should NOT be sent out into cyberspace.

*Before sending ANYONE your picture or ANY information about yourself, make sure to check with your parents FIRST!

*Don’t keep secrets. Keep your parents in the loop about what you are doing and where you are going on the internet. They can help you to stay safe!

*If you get a mean or nasty message or a message that makes you feel uncomfortable, TELL SOMEONE YOU TRUST. It is NEVER YOUR FAULT if you get a message that makes you feel uncomfortable.

*Never give out your password to someone other than your parents. NOT EVEN YOUR BEST FRIEND. Your password is yours. Protect your password and protect yourself!

*Protect your computer. Before downloading ANY software, check with your parents FIRST.

*Set up a meeting with your parents or caregivers to talk about internet safety. It’s always good to talk about ways to keep safe. Maybe you could even teach your parents a thing or two about internet safety!

For Kids: GET SOME SLEEP!

It’s no fun to feel tired. Being tired makes you grumpy and groggy, and when you sleep the day away you miss out on all the fun!

Here are some tips to help you avoid “the drain” and get the kind of sleep that you need...

• Get plenty of exercise. Keeping active during the day will help you to sleep well at night. Try to get at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day. Games and sports are fun ways to keep fit.


•Eat foods that help your body to recharge. Fruits and dark green vegetables are great sources of energy. Try whole-wheat bread instead of white, and avoid the “sugar drain” by cutting down on sweet treats.

•Get enough sleep at night. Listen to your body. If you are feeling tired during the day, maybe you need more sleep at night.

•Go to bed at the same time every night. Create a bedtime routine to help teach your body to get the good sleep that you need.

•Fight the urge to stay up late! Your body will thank you in the morning.

•Avoid sugary sodas. Soda has tons of sugar and chemicals that can prevent you from getting a good night’s rest.

•Turn off the lights! Bright lights tell your brain to stay awake. When it’s dark, your brain knows it’s time to sleep, so at bedtime the dark is the best.

•Turn off the Screens! The light and noise from televisions and computers make it hard for your body to fully relax.

• Make bedtime a fun-time. Read a story or write in a journal before you go to bed. This will help you to “wind down” when bedtime comes around.

USE YOUR BRAIN AND AVOID THE DRAIN!

For Parents: Help your kids to get some sleep!

FOR PARENTS:

Sleep deprivation in children can negatively effect their learning as well as their ability to control emotions. It’s therefore very important to encourage healthy dietary and fitness habits as well as establish an appropriate sleep schedule for your children. The following are some hints to help keep your child healthy, rested and happy.

•Keep your children active. Establish behavior patterns for your children that encourage exercise.

•Model healthy habits for your children by being active yourself. Participate in games and exercise with your children. This is a good way to connect with your child while teaching them the benefits of physical activity.

•Insure that your children are sleeping enough at night. School age children generally need between 9 and 12 hours a night.

•Monitor your child’s habits throughout the day to determine the appropriate amount of sleep that they need. Does your child fall asleep in class? Do they begin to nap as soon as they get in the car? Experiment with bedtimes to determine what is best.

•Create special bedtime routines. Read a story together, or help your child write in a journal of the day's activities. This is a good opportunity to spend time with your children. Consistency and regularity also makes children feel safe and secure.

•Maintain a regular sleep schedule. Be consistent about bedtimes and don’t give in to a child who begs to stay up “just a bit longer.” Be compassionate but firm in enforcing this. Don’t make bedtime seem like a punishment.

•Avoid caffeinated or sugary beverages—especially around bedtime!

•Limit the amount of time spent in front of the television, computer or video game systems. Help kids avoid the temptation, and remove any video screens from their bedroom.

•Make bedtime a calm time. Help your child “wind down” and relax before bed. Establish calming rituals such as talking softly and lowering the lights as bedtime approaches.

• Sleep deprived children tend to become more easily agitated and upset. Sleep helps children to regulate their emotions.

• If you feel that your child is chronically sleep-deprived it may be an indication that they are not having satisfying sleep. It is then important to consult with a family physician or psychotherapist to determine if there are underlying physical or emotional problems contributing to poor sleep.

• What we eat affects our sleep! Encourage a diet full of vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. Discourage sugary foods and beverages. Create variety and balance in the foods that you serve your children.

Super's New Friends

Here are some of my new friends. Kelly Ripa and her daughter seemed to have a lot of fun at Super Saturday...and so did I!!!

Super Saturday Media Release

Here is an explanation of Super Saturday. We had a great time!

Click on the image for a larger view.

Super Saturday Game Wheel

Here is what the game wheel looked like at Super Saturday. Before you spun the wheel to win a prize, you had to answer a question about emotions...Like, how about...

"When a friend is feeling sad, what could you do to help them feel less sad?"

Some of my favorite answers were...

"Give them a hug"
"Give them cotton candy"
"Smile"
"Ask them what's wrong"
"Be nice to them with words"
"Do a dance with your feet"

What could you do to help a friend in need?

Here is the flyer that we gave away at Super Saturday. Click on the picture for a larger view.

Playing in the Park

I totally love to cruise around on the jungle gym.

Okay...even though I'm Super, I get tired too. Everyone needs a nap every now and again.

Check me out.

DUDE! I totally got a base hit on this one!

Super Heads East

Hey, there! It's me, Super. Here I am with Matt during my visit to East Hampton, New York. I had a totally Super time at Super Saturday! I met tons of new friends and spoke to them about their feelings! It was really cool. I love to talk to kids about how they handle their feelings.

Reading Rocks!

I LOVE to read.

Reading helps me to relax when I'm feeling nervous, scared and (yes) angry. Whenever I am feeling bored or even sad, a good book helps to boost my mood. Reading makes me feel happy. I love summer vacation because it gives me more time to chill out and read.

I also love to have people read stories to me out loud. Storytime is some of my favorite time. Go ahead and ask an adult to read to you. Sometimes adults forget how fun it is to read...so give them a friendly reminder!

What are some of your favorite books? Shoot me an email and let me know. I'm always looking for a new adventure.

Summer Safety Tips

Summertime also means funtime. When you're having fun outside, it's sometimes easy to forget a very important thing....BE SAFE! Slow down and think about what you're doing. Ask yourself, "Wait a minute...is this safe?" Here are some things to remember...


Catch Some Rays, Not A Sunburn
When you're cruising around in the sun, don't forget the sunscreen! Sunscreen helps to protect your skin from a nasty burn. Have a friend or parent help you to cover those hard to reach spots like your back and shoulders.

Don't Swim Alone
Swimming is totally fun, and it's even MORE fun when you swim with someone else. Have a swimming buddy and keep an eye on each other. Always let an adult know before you take a dip so that they can watch you splash about safely.

Buckle Up
Whether you're in a train, plane or automobile make sure to give yourself a hug by snapping on that seatbelt. If you're floating on a boat strap on that life jacket!

Stay Cool
Summer can be HOT HOT HOT. Drink plenty of water and take breaks in the shade...your body will thank you for it.

Protect Your Melon
Every kid should have a helmet to wear when they take a bike ride. Helmets are a cool way to keep your noggin' safe. You could even decorate your helmet with stickers and make it special to you!

Boom's Summer Vacation. Part 3: Reading Time

Here I am in front of a really cool bookstore. I was super excited to go inside and check it out!
The night of the big reading. Matt and Ted were getting ready to read a story all about me! I felt like a total rockstar!

Here I am with my new friend Charlie Leonard. He owns the bookstore! (how cool is that!)

Author Reading At The Bookcase in Wayzata, Minnesota

Here's Matt and Ted talking to the crowd. There were over 4o people in the audience! It was a really cool group of people.
Ted reads "Abash and the Cyberbully" while Matt shows off the awesome pictures.
Here's Matt signing a book. I was feeling kind of shy, so I hid out. Can you find me?
Ted talks to an Emote fan. I love meeting new people, but sometimes it can make me feel scared...that's a TOTALLY normal feeling, by the way.
At the end of the reading, people lined up to buy their books. It was a really fun night. Thanks Minnesota! I can't wait to go back someday.

Happy Fourth of July!

Sometimes when I get mad, I have a short fuse and feel like I'm going to explode like these fireworks! I've learned to control my anger by talking about my feelings. I take deep breaths and count to ten before my anger gets out of control.
I also let adults handle the fireworks, because they can get out of control too. They're cool to look at, but really dangerous. Always let an adult type person handle these fiery fireworks. Playing with fire is TOTALLY NOT COOL. Be safe, and stay away from matches and lighters.

Boom's Summer Vacation. Part 2: Playing It Safe

I made it to the lake!
Here I am ready to cast off. Fishing is totally relaxing. It helps me to chill out when I'm feeling all stressed out.

Here I am with Matt and Ted posing with the fish that I caught....(nah, not really).

I love to go swimming in the lake. I made sure that I had a "swimming buddy" so that I wasn't alone in the water. Brrrrrrrrrr! Wow, that water was chilly.

Ahhhhhh, basking in the warm rays of the sun. I made sure to wear plenty of sunscreen, and my cool new hat helped to protect me from getting a nasty sunburn. I mean, I'm red enough as it is!

Dude! I totally love to waterski. Here I am ready to take off from the dock. I've got my life jacket snapped on tight, and ready to cruise the lake. It was a total blast!!