War Child

I wake up in the morning to the cries of hurt and anger
I wished I’d wake up to cries of joy and laughter
I wake up every morning hoping it will all be gone
But the fighting the war has only just begun
I’d play out in my mind that I could beg for them to stop just for a while
But no! What do they care I’m just a war child

I’d go to sleep every night with the fear of not being able to last another day
Oh please please help this child many would say
But deep down I know those peoples urgent call
Will be returned with bombs shooting or nothing at all
The shock that they turn to shooting even if you smile
Is abhorrent but what do they care I’m just a war child

I’d hope for a place to truly call home
But how can it be with all the peace and harmony gone
It hurts and pains to know the people doing this have neither regret nor remorse
But instead curfews and more undeserved punishment is what they’ve enforced
Enemies upon us our country reviled
But what do they care I’m just a war child

I’d cry puddles full of tears day to day
Hoping someone my mummy or even my daddy come by say its ok
But no one will ever care I’m just a war child.

© Lamzii

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Good Manners (Free Style)

It is good to have manners
And I’am referring to good ones
It’s great to say ‘Thank you’
When you get some from someone

Good manners you can always
Cultivate them in your talk
You can learn them all
In your life as you walk

This wonderful process should
Begin when the kids are small
Parents should teach all
Their children good manners

These days we don’t meet
Many children with good manners you see
Most of them act rude and that’s a shame
And that goes for teens and adults too

Dorian Petersen Potter

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Is Your Child a Genius?

 

According to the National Association for Gifted Children, approximately 5 percent — or three million children — in the U.S. are considered gifted. How can your tell if your child is one of them? Here are some of the early signs of a gifted preschooler, from the American Association of Gifted Children at Duke University:

 

 

• Learns quickly and remembers easily
• Seems mature for his or her age
• Has a large vocabulary, displays an unusual interest in words, or already reads independently
• Experiments to solve problems
• Prefers older playmates
• Seems sensitive
• Exhibits intellectual curiosity
• Shows compassion for people or animals
• Enjoys puzzles, mazes, and numbers
• Questions authority
• Seems to get bored easily
• Has a high energy level

 

 

If you child has several of these characteristics, consider having her assessed by a child development expert. You can also help nurture her natural talents by reading to her and introducing her to interests such as art, music, nature, and sports.

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Heatwave: be prepared

 

Most of us welcome hot weather, but when it’s too hot for too long there are health risks. If a heatwave hits this summer, make sure the hot weather doesn’t harm you or anyone you know.

 

 

The very young, the elderly and the seriously ill are the groups who are particularly at risk of health problems when the weather is very hot. In particular, very hot weather can make heart and breathing problems worse.

“There is considerable evidence that heatwaves are dangerous and can kill,” says Graham Bickler of Public Health England. In August 2003, temperatures hit 38ºC (101ºF) during a nine-day heatwave, the highest recorded in the UK.

“In the 2003 heatwave, there were 2,000 to 3,000 excess deaths [more than usual] in England. Across Europe, there were around 30,000 excess deaths.”

Public Health England’s heatwave plan 2014 (PDF, 1.19Mb) has advice on how to cope during a heatwave. Knowing how to keep cool during long periods of hot weather can help save lives.

“Most of the information is common sense,” says Bickler. “It’s not rocket science, but it can have a dramatic effect.”

When heat becomes a problem

An average temperature of 30°C by day and 15°C overnight would trigger a health alert (this figure varies slightly around the UK). These temperatures can have a significant effect on people’s health if they last for at least two days and the night in between.

The Meteorological Office has a warning system that issues alerts if a heatwave is likely. Level one is the minimum alert and is in place from June 1 until September 15 (which is the period that heatwave alerts are likely to be raised).

• minimum alert – people should be aware of what to do if the alert level is raised
• level two alert – there is a high chance that a heatwave will occur within the next few days
• level three alert – when a heatwave is happening
• level four alert – when a heatwave is severe

Why is a heatwave a problem?

The main risks posed by a heatwave are: 

• dehydration (not having enough water)
• overheating, which can make symptoms worse for people who already have problems with their heart or breathing
• heat exhaustion
• heatstroke

Who is most at risk?

A heatwave can affect anyone, but the most vulnerable people in extreme heat are:

• older people, especially those over 75
• babies and young children
• people with a serious chronic condition, especially heart or breathing problems
• people with mobility problems – for example, people with Parkinson’s disease or who have had a stroke
• people with serious mental health problems
• people on certain medications, including those that affect sweating and temperature control
• people who misuse alcohol or drugs
• people who are physically active – for example, labourers or those doing sports

Tips for coping in hot weather

The following advice applies to everybody when it comes to keeping cool and comfortable and reducing health risks:

• Shut windows and pull down the shades when it is hotter outside. If it’s safe, open them for ventilation when it is cooler.
• Avoid the heat: stay out of the sun and don’t go out between 11am and 3pm (the hottest part of the day) if you’re vulnerable to the effects of heat.
• Keep rooms cool by using shades or reflective material outside the windows. If this isn’t possible, use light-coloured curtains and keep them closed (metallic blinds and dark curtains can make the room hotter).
• Have cool baths or showers, and splash yourself with cool water.
• Drink cold drinks regularly, such as water and fruit juice. Avoid tea, coffee and alcohol.
• Stay tuned to the weather forecast on the radio or TV, or on the Met Office website.
• Plan ahead to make sure you have enough supplies, such as food, water and any medications you need.
• Identify the coolest room in the house so you know where to go to keep cool.
• Wear loose, cool clothing, and a hat if you go outdoors.
• Check up on friends, relatives and neighbours who may be less able to look after themselves.

Find out more about what to do during a heatwave alert level two, level three or level four.

If you’re worried about yourself or a vulnerable neighbour, friend or relative, you can contact the local environmental health office at your local authority.

Environmental health workers can visit a home to inspect it for hazards to health, including excess heat. Find your local authority on the GOV.UK website.  

How do I know if someone needs help?

If someone feels unwell, get them somewhere cool to rest. Give them plenty of fluids to drink.

Seek medical help if symptoms such as breathlessness, chest pain, confusion, weakness, dizziness or cramps get worse or don’t go away.

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PIRATE POEMS:

PIRATE POEMS:
Limericks are special types of poems that follow a set pattern.They have only 5 lines and usually start with “There once was….” or something similar. The first, second and third lines rhyme and have 8 syllables. The third and fourth lines rhyme and have only 5 syllables.

Here are some limericks that Year 5 wrote about Pirates:
 

There once was a pirate named Jill. Who crashed her ship by a hill. She fell out of a tree. She grazed her knee. That clumsy old pirate called Jill.  By Alex A

There once a pirate named Joe 
Who sailed all the way to the snow 
It was getting cold 
All his jackets were sold
That dumb old pirate named Joe 
by Chris PThere ones was a pirate named Rex, 
He had a bird that pecks, 
He fired his gun, 
And had a lot of fun, 
That silly old pirate named Rex.
By James

There once was a pirate named Ted,

All day he�d sleep in bed,
His cat was fat,
His dog just sat,
That lazy and lonely Ted
By Monika

There once was a pirate named Franklin
Who loved to chew on plankton
Until he got hit over the head 
Then they shot him dead
That silly old pirate named Franklin
By Brandon

There once was a pirate named Izzy
And he was always busy 
He fell off the ship
And broke his hip
That poor old pirate named Izzy
From Bradey      

There once was a pirate Harry
Who hated a man called Larry
He went to the ships
And swayed his hips
That silly old pirate called Harry.
By Ashleigh

 

There once was a pirate called Bill
Who yesterday got very ill
The doctor came around
And didn�t hear a sound
From that sick old pirate called Bill
By Chris McMillanThere once was a pirate named Jack
Who had a broken back
He fell off his chair
And went into mid air
That poor old pirate called Jack
By Joshua

There once lived a captain Ben
His men were Jim and Glen
He fought for gold
Until he was old
That silly old captain Ben
By EliseThere once was a pirate named Moe,
Who was a silly old fellow,
He fell into the lake 
and ripped his cape,
That silly old pirate named Moe.
By Jessica

There once was a pirate named Jack
Who fell and broke his back
He slept on a rack
He fell in a sack
That poor old pirate  named Jack
By LucanThere was a pirate named Wayne
He loved to feel the pain
He wasn�t very smart
He got hit with a dart
That stupid old pirate named Wayne
By Reece

There once was a pirate called Brad
Who had an old cat that is mad
He likes to rob
His friend is Bob
That dangerous pirate called Brad
By RaymondThere once was a pirate called Flynn
He did a really bad sin
He found a penny
Got a girlfriend called Jenny
That lucky old pirate called Flynn
By Aaron.C

There once was a pirate named Bill
His best friends name was Lil
He drank too much rum
His head began numb
That silly old pirate named Bill
By LyellThere once was a pirate named Jack,
Who liked to wear his big blak hat, 
He looked overboard, 
Then he was bald,
That stupid old pirate named Jack.
by Niall 

There once was a pirate named Mack,
He lived in a very big shack,
He went on a ship,
And did a big flip,
That silly old pirate named Mack.
by ErinThere once was a pirate named Hook,
Who was a really great cook,
He made apple pies,
With heaps of flies,
That silly old pirate named Hook.
by Shannon

There once was a pirate named Lee.
She once dislocated her knee,
She went to fly,
But instead she cried.
That silly old pirate named Lee.
by Taila

There once was a pirate named Jack,
Who wore a tattoo on his back,
He absolutely loved to fight,
Believe it or not in the night,
That funny old pirate named Jack.
by Michelle

There once was a pirate named Plum
Who liked to suck his thumb
When he went to bed 
The huge thumb went red 
That silly old pirate named Plum
by Melanie 

 

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When our parents are old and easy to take for granted

They were once the world to us. Then it happened?we grew up
MY BROTHER called me, ?We need to have a meeting.?

I asked, ?What about??

?It?s about mom.?

That was the only time I was told what was to happen. Mom would have surgery that week. My brothers knew about it a couple of weeks back. But no one told me. That night, I heard the whole story, and why I was the last to know. Mom thought I had too much in my hands already so that the news about her might only cause me more stress.

It?s really no surprise why some parents choose not to tell their children their health problems. I know theirs is a valid reason but sometimes we wish we could?ve been told earlier, so that it doesn?t come to us as a shock.

Mom has had her share of challenges and ups and downs. Ever since my father passed away 30 years ago, we?ve felt how she?s missed dad. She has devoted her life to rearing us the best way she could. Since my brothers and I got married, she has always been supportive even in the smallest things.

And, of course, there were occasional disagreements that brought to light the generation gap.

But these were also the times I have learned the most.

Creating the gap

This gap happens not only between us and our children, but also between us and our own parents. From birth, we have lived under their guidance and rules. They were the world to us. Then it happened?we grew up.

When we step into another stage of our lives (whether it?s career, starting a family or going through a major change), we often feel that we are independent enough to make our own decisions.

The fact that we and our parents are adults prods us to expect that they should be able to think like we do. And when conflicts arise, we evaluate them from our own perspective of how an adult should behave.

Imagine a shelf already filled with books. When new books start to arrive, and space has to be made for them on that shelf, what happens? Whether you remove the old books or retain your favorites, still, some books must go. Some of us may have unconsciously likened the old and less favorite books to our own parents.

Reasons for being

We sometimes take them for granted, without considering that at their age, they have worries too: health, memory gaps and even less mobility?there are a lot of things they can?t do anymore.

They may look back on their lives, how they fared in their youth, maybe even feel some regret. In all this, whether they admit it or not, they turn to us for comfort.

They may not be the decision-makers anymore, but our parents still wish to be heard and acknowledged. If they tend to be tactless and callous, it?s because they feel left out. Even in their infirmity, they hope they remain a vital presence in our lives.

Building bridges

Come to think of it, aren?t these the same things we need? Some of us usually forget because we are focused on our spouse and children, responsibilities, financial obligations and other concerns. We take our parents for granted because now we have our own world, even if they had a hand in giving us that world to begin with. I don?t think we want this to happen to us when the time comes.

It really doesn?t cost anything to tell our parents: ?Thank you?; ?I really appreciate this?; ?I love you, Mom.?

It won?t cost you to make them feel you love them just by holding their hand while you cross the street, while you?re talking with them, giving them compliments, hugging them when you are happy or sad, looking at them lovingly while answering their questions, or even while arguing, not raising your voice and just calmly explaining your side.

Whatever happens, always listen first?hard to do because we always anticipate what they will say so that what comes out of our mouths is not pleasant to hear. If their suggestion is, indeed, better, let us accept it and thank them.

Let us be more patient and understanding when we evaluate a situation?why could he/she have said that? How will he/she respond if I answer back this or that way? Is there a need he/she is trying to fulfill? What would be the proper response to avoid misunderstanding?

We can?t control how our parents think, but we can control how we respond. Then we learn.

I admire those who have amazing relationship with their parents; whose relationship is based on trust, communication and unselfishness; those who are able to spend much time with each other and have the opportunity to bridge that gap.

There are so many things I still want to do for my mom. I know many factors limit me, but I could start with this.

My life?s bookshelf brims with books, some of which I haven?t even read but had planned to. Now, I will look at my shelf and check if I honestly need to read all these other books. If not, they go; so that the Book of Mom could have more space.

DO YOUR KIDS TAKE ADVANTAGE OF YOUR GENEROSITY?

WHY NOT TELL US WHAT YOU THINK ?

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The Impossible Dream By Gillian Sims

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