American Idol ... is that really a good name for a show that millions of children watch? And do we really want people across the nation aspiring to be idols?
I would think if a reasonable person . . . more
Ken joined the group Bible RhymesSep 09, 2009 7:54PM EDT
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About Me
Describe Yourself:
I'm Ken McCardell ... author of the BibleRhymes children's book series.
And yea, this is my "professional" Gather page, but don't take that in the wrong way. I write blogs and poems (sometimes specifically for friends on here) and take prayer requests and all kinds of other notes, both from friends and friends to be.
And actually I've even gone as far as New Jersey to read my books at a Christian school that a parent over the internet invited me to. So if you'd like someone to read to the kids at your church or school just let me know!
BibleRhymes' Noah and the Ark, Creation and Christmas Story are all available now! We've got 30-40 free games at BibleRhymes.com right now and pretty soon we'll have a whole bunch of games and FABULOUS interactive online books at BibleRhymes.com for the kids (and fun adults) to enjoy.
BibleRhymes tell Bible stories in an easy to read way. Each book is filled with art that can't help but to get people smiling.
These books aren't only for children, any adult that appreciates poetry, art or the Bible, will appreciate BibleRhymes.
Free E-books are available for the first book in the series "BibleRhymes' Creation".
Hard covers can be ordered at BibleRhymes.com.
If you'd like you'd like something to read there's also a collection of my other poetry.
Thanks Ken for your reply. I guess I should have looked at biblerhymes.com first and I would have gotten the answer to my question. It sounds like you are an ambition young man with a lot of creativity. Your life does not sound boring! I am glad to be your Gather friend and to get a glimpse of your spiritual journey. Keep in touch... Charlie P.S. I plan to get some of your books and if you are even in Florida I hope to meet you at a book signing.
Ken, I watched the video of you talking with the children. They are so cute, aren't they?
Here's my thoughts:
1) You do well with the iambic pentameter type of poetry. It is attractive to young children, especially if read to them near bed time!
2) If you write long stories (like the David and Goliath), I would recommend you add some elements of story telling to catch children's ears and involve them interactively. To do this, you add a phrase that can be repeated over and over in the poem. When read to them, they will eventually catch on and repeat it with you. That hooks them in. Kids love that kind of thing. (I'll never forget the story I read to my kids that had the phrase, "Hundreds of cats. Thousands of cats. Millions and billions and trillions of cats!" at the end of each stanza or page. They'll say it with you and giggle and laugh every time!
3) You need a dramatic voice with rises and falls and dramatic pauses. In reading poetry, you sometimes need to speed up, sometimes slow down, sometimes shout, and sometimes whisper. Kids love that!
4) A poetic story is best received if you can somehow maintain eye contact as you are reading (this is a skill! Believe me! in college we had to practice doing that!).
5) Never, ever ask kids if they like that. Once in awhile you will get a child that is painfully (or deviously) honest and say "NO!" Always assume they will like that.
6) At the age you were reading to these children, they love exaggeration and theatrics. Gestures help. Movement helps.
7) Use the illustrations. Kids, even those who are paying attention to you, need something to focus on to keep them on task.
8) Kids these days are fed on action hero and suspense stories. They like funny, but sometimes today's humor is crude. They've been fed on it on TV so long that other things don't seem so funny anymore. Sad but true.
I really did like the collection you brought in with you. It was a good eclectic mix. Please don't construe any of these suggestion as criticisms. They aren't. They are just tips I've learned over the years working with children.
Ken, I got the little post up. I hope it helps. You sound like you are doing all the right things to get your business off the ground. Good for you! Keep up the good work.
If you look over my posts that I write, I list resources for people who homeschool. I also write posts about free and inexpensive things they might enjoy. If I have your permission, may I list your website as a resource for free crossword puzzles for this Easter? I could probably write it up tonight and get it posted. Or tomorrow. Ping me what you think. I would just give the link to your website and about 1 sentence about the crossword puzzles. But it may drive a little bit more traffic your way. I do get good views here on Gather. God bless you!
