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The Biggest Test in the Universe

Language: English

This pressure to prepare and do well is echoed by host LeVar Burton’s daughter Michaela as she practices for an audition, and by the young members of a children’s theater group as they pour their hearts and souls into preparing for a performance.

Here are activities to do after watching this episode:

Stress Relievers

You will need:

  • basic art supplies
  • paper stapled together as a simple journal
  • music CDs featuring different types of music, or a radio
  • Susan Kramer’s “Yoga for All Kids” website <http://www.susankramer.com/Yoga.html> contains many relaxation and breathing exercises designed for children.

Sometimes our lives can be hectic, and family members feel the stress of too much to do. Here are some things that can help reduce your child’s stress:

  • breathing exercises help relax and re-focus
  • sculpting with clay or play-dough
  • drawing
  • finger painting
  • writing in a journal
  • playing with pets
  • listening to music
  • dancing

One of the best stress relievers is also the easiest – hug your child!

  

A Star is Born

You will need:

  • an assortment of old clothing for dress-up
  • construction paper
  • yarn scraps
  • cellophane tape
  1. Encourage your child to act out parts of favorite stories – keep costumes simple (hats, scarves, old “dress-up” clothing) and use household items for props.
  2. Have them make ears, noses, and tails as needed for the parts they are playing
  3. Be an appreciative audience for all performances.

“Check”

Work with your child in making a checklist of tasks that need to be accomplished.
Divide it into sections: before school, after school, before bed, etc.
This will help them become more organized and plan ahead, thus avoiding the stress of last-minute tasks.
Post the checklist in a place where they can check it often.

Check out some of these books on your
next trip to the library:

  • Beverly Billingsly Takes A Bow by Alexander Stadler
  • Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes
  • Angelina On Stage by Katharine Holabird

READING RAINBOW has a resource library that includes teacher guide materials as well as reading programs for use in the public libraries. You can download these resources from GPN at:
www.gpnresources.com

If you would like more information about READING RAINBOW or if you would like to learn more about other educational products please visit the GPN web site.

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