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Child HEALTHTALK
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• S U M M E R / F A L L 2 0 1 2

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Annual Conference Letter

4
Sign-On!

6
Elementary Professional
School Counselors

8
Tourette Syndrome in Your
Community

9
We are Engaged in Our
Children’s Education

11
Responsible Fatherhood

12
Leadership Roles for Black Parents

14
Texting on the Move

15
On The Ground In…Seattle

16
Between the Covers:
Our Children Deserve the Best

21
What’s In Season for Summer
and Fall?

22
Spring 2012 Recipe:
Vegetable Quesadillas

www.nbcdi.org

Annual Conference
FULFILLING THE PROMISE:
OUR CHILDREN DESERVE THE BEST
October 6-9, 2012 • Fort Lauderdale, Florida

dear Friends,

e ach year, parents and professionals working with Black children across the united states come
together at NBcdi’s annual conference to work, share, learn, inspire and reflect on how to move
forward in achieving a bright, equitable future for all of our children and their families.

the theme of this year’s conference is “Fulfilling the Promise: Our Children Deserve the Best,” and in this
edition of child health talk, several of our presenters will offer ideas corresponding to the conference’s
workshop tracks, including early
care and education, k-12
education, mental health,
empowering parents and engaging
communities, Fatherhood, and
leadership and public policy.

to learn more and register for this
year’s conference, taking place
from october 6-9, 2012 in Fort
lauderdale, Florida, please visit
www.nbcdi.org. We are in an
extraordinary time, and this is an
extraordinary conference – as well
as an extraordinary edition of
child health talk! We hope that
you will join us, both at conference
and in your work at home,
bringing your energy, ideas and
diverse experiences to nurture the
natural curiosity, excitement and
genius of our children.

all the best,

Felicia dehaney, phd.
president and ceo

NatioNal Black child developmeNt iNstitute • child health talk • summer/Fall 2012 3

Sign-On!
TO AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE
Marilynn J. Ward, M.Ed.

m y journey with american sign
language (asl) started in 2001
when i was introduced to it by
a friend who is hearing impaired. she
encouraged me to start demonstrating
• Motor Coordination – as children
repeatedly demonstrate signs, they are
actively working their fingers and hands,
which promote and strengthen fine
motor skills.
american sign language with the incorporating american sign
children who attended my in-home language as an instructional approach
early learning facility. once i started within an early learning environment
teaching my young learners to sign, i is developmentally appropriate, fun
was amazed by the results. children and can be performed with young
as young as nine months old were learners daily. as parents or caregivers,
grasping the meaning of sign symbols you can start engaging your young
and were demonstrating the appropri- learners by introducing two to three
ate hand signs to communicate their simple signs a week such as: milk, water,
needs. From observation and research, i mother, father, banana, eat, more, drink,
found that american sign language is a juice, please, and thank you. the beauty
beautiful, expressive language using hand of signing with children is that they think
shapes, hand motions, facial expressions Victoria Noblin, from the adult is simply playing with them.
and body movements. in addition, it has Sun Prairie, Wisconsin is Young children do not realize that they are
a wealth of benefits that supports early practicing her signs. She is a learning a formal language that promotes
recent graduate from Pre-K.
learning and brain development such as: higher cognitive abilities. When young
• Communication – exposing young children are engaged in rich, playful
children to english and asl experiences, they are actively involved in
simultaneously allows for playful learning. educators and parents with young
literacy engagement; viewing one children should think of american sign
language and hearing the other. language as an enjoyable finger play
language requires various skills. activity in which children benefit from
receptive language (the ability to the combination of speech, movement
understand) develops before and visual enhancements. another
productive or expressive language wonderful benefit of american sign
(the ability to speak). an infant language is that it supports all
too young to speak shows an learning styles:
understanding of language by • Visual Learners – most often
responding appropriately to verbal think in pictures and learn best
questions, directions and signing. from visual displays.
• Vision – the visual components of • Tactile/Kinesthetic Learners – learn
sign language increases brain activity. through movement, doing and
it promotes the ability to differentiate touching.
shapes and being attentive to the • Auditory Learners – learn best
position of the hands. visual Victoria Noblin – verbally by talking and listening.
experiences strengthen neuron demonstrating the sign american sign language is a great way
connections in the brain. symbol “thank you”. to help children learn the skills they need
continued on page 5

4 NatioNal Black child developmeNt iNstitute • child health talk • summer/Fall 2012

NBCDI MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION

Become a NBCDI Member today for as little as $35 and
help give every child a chance! NBCDI members
include people who share a commitment to the positive
development of children and youth, regardless of race,
religion, gender, or creed. NBCDI memberships can be
obtained by contacting NBCDI. Visit our website at
www.nbcdi.org for more membership information and
to learn about the programs of NBCDI.

Become part of the NBCDI family and help us to improve
and protect the lives of our children.

As a member of the America’s Charities federation,
NBCDI is eligible to receive your charitable contribution
from the Combined Federal Campaign (#11574) or
state and local employee campaigns.

NBcdi is a member of

Victoria Noblin from Sun Prairie, Wisconsin is
demonstrating the sign symbol “milk”.
SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION

to enter school ready to succeed.
Child Health Talk is produced by the National Black
resources for american sign language and brain
development; Child Development Institute (NBCDI).
• Public Libraries have a wealth of literature and
dvds that provide basic asl instruction. A subscription to NBCDI’s newsletter will comprise four
• Religious organizations sometimes have “deaf issues of Child Health Talk. Send your request to: Child
ministries” that offer free classes to community Health Talk, 1313 L Street, NW, Suite 110, Washington,
residents. DC 20005. Subscriptions: $8.00 per year
• Websites that have excellent visual demonstrations
of asl: The photographs used in NBCDI’s publications are
– signing savvy – www.signingsavvy.com
intended to highlight the beauty and diversity of
– starfall – http://www.starfall.com/n/level-
k/sign-abcs/load.htm?f children in a variety of settings. Unless specifically
– author sign design – http://pbskids.org/ noted otherwise, the photographs come from NBCDI’s
arthur/print/signdesign/name.html library of stock photos, and the children do not
– Born learning – Bornlearning.org: this website
represent the topic discussed in the text.
provides parents and educators with information
about promoting healthy brain development. I

marilynn J. Ward, m.ed. is president & ceo of little Butterfly educare NBCDI encourages the exchange of diverse opinions. However,
enhancements, inc., which provides professional development services the ideas presented do not necessarily reflect NBCDI’s official
to early childhood practitioners, school-age and youth development
position on the issues. NBCDI assumes no responsibility for any
professionals. she continuously advocates for quality education for children.
statement of opinion presented in this publication.
dr. Ward’s workshop at NBcdi’s 42nd annual conference is entitled
“sign-on! making storytelling interactive and Fun”.


Elementary Professional
School Counselors:
ASSETS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF
AFRICAN AMERICAN MALES
Ahmad R. Washington, ABD, NCC

N o matter where you look, there appears to be an
ongoing, often disheartening discussion about
the social status of african american males.
usually this discussion includes an abundance of data
about african american males’ less than ideal school
development, their self-perceptions, perceptions of their
peers, and their school work. perhaps most importantly,
school counselors are taught to exhibit a commitment to
social justice and equity by prioritizing those students
who have historically been marginalized within the
performance. to support african american males’ long- traditional american educational system. With this
term school performance, i believe we should dedicate knowledge, school counselors are expected to design all-
considerable attention to the elementary school experi-
ences of african american males and how these experi-
ences serve as the foundation for future academic
successes.
elementary school is a critical period in the overall
development of young african american males. research
shows that when african american males have
consistent positive experiences in elementary school,
they are likely to be more optimistic about their
education in middle school, high school, and beyond.
usually, teachers and principals are viewed as the most
influential members of the elementary school
community. however, i argue that school counselors can
be just as important to students’ development,
particularly at the elementary school level. For this
reason, african american parents should become well-
acquainted with their son’s elementary school counselors
to promote personal, social and academic progress.

Professional School Counselors: Who They Are
and What They Do
as a school counselor educator, i believe
wholeheartedly that professional school counselors have
much to give african american boys. professional
school counselors are valuable members of the
educational team because of the wide array of services
they have been trained to offer their students. school
counselors are taught to understand and appreciate the
relationship between students’ personal and social


inclusive counseling programs that focus on students’
personal/social development (e.g., self-confidence,
relationship skills, etc.), academic development (e.g.,
study skills, test anxiety, etc.), and career exploration
(e.g., career days). therefore, school counselors can
play a pivotal role in the development of all students, but
particularly african american boys.
While the aforementioned services are certainly
important for school counselors and the students they
serve, the ability to collaborate with parents in a
professional and respectful manner cannot be overstated.
effective counselor/parent collaboration helps to
facilitate an effective working relationship and
guarantees clear communication about how a student is
performing and what measures can be taken to ensure
school successes or avoid potential failures.

Collaboration Between African American
Parents & Professional School Counselors
it is important for african american parents to
recognize how important school counselors can be and
to access their services whenever possible. this means
overcoming assumptions about receiving counseling
services, especially the idea that receiving services
somehow means you are hopeless. Below is a list of
suggestions for african american parents to consider
and apply before and when working with elementary
school counselors.

Suggestions for African American Parents:
1. Advocate for your son by initiating contact with
school counselors early and often to express your
desires and expectations. professional school
counselors often have overwhelming numbers of services and resources can include mentoring
students to serve, which can make it difficult for organizations, libraries, and recreational facilities.
them to connect consistently with parents. taking 4. African American parents should help their sons
this initiative can help your son receive the connect the services school counselors provide
services he needs to succeed. to their immediate and long-range endeavors.
2. Ask school counselors about the services they unfortunately, because males often perceive
provide and how they can be beneficial for your counseling as something only weak individuals
son’s immediate and long-term success. these receive, african american boys may dismiss their
services include, for instance, classroom guidance school counselors without considering how they
on everything from learning strategies to career might be of assistance. if african american parents
exploration. taken together these services address can endorse the utilization of school counselors,
a wide range of topics that are relevant to how perhaps Black boys may do the same. I
students perform.
3. Request information about relevant services and ahmad r. Washington is an assistant professor in the counselor education
program at south carolina state university. primary research interests are
resources in and around your community that the personal/social and academic development of adolescent/young adult
would be beneficial for your son. school african american males and the utilization of socially conscious hip hop
lyrics to empower african american male youth.
counselors are expected to be aware of available
mr. Washington will be presenting on “promoting academic excellence:
resources to assist students and their families with success strategies for male elementary students” at NBcdi’s 42nd
what they need. For african american boys these annual conference.


Tourette Syndrome in
Your Community
Kally Giordano
Tourette Syndrome: The Basics school staff can greatly help. No two children with
• tourette syndrome (ts) is a condition of the brain tourette syndrome are alike so it may take creativity to
made up of involuntary movements called tics find the best solution for your child. With the right
• common motor tics: eye-blinking, jerking of the support, children with ts can succeed in the classroom
head, neck or arms, and twitching just like any other child. children with ts are often
• common vocal tics: coughing, throat-clearing, creative and talented in areas such as music, art, and
sniffing, grunting sports. a little bit of teamwork can help children with ts
• tics usually begin between 4–6 years of age and achieve great things. also, the tourette syndrome
peak between ages 10-12 association can help families and schools work together.
• ts affects 3–8 per 1,000 school-aged children
• Boys are 3–4 times more likely to develop ts than girls A Bright Future
• No definite cause of ts has been established, and While tourette syndrome might seem like a big obstacle,
there is no known cure. it doesn’t have to slow you down. take mike higgins, for
example. he is a full colonel in the u.s. army, a pastor, and
What is Tourette Syndrome? a dean of students at a seminary. mike is also a husband,
tv and movies often show people with tourette syndrome father, and grandfather. in a tsa dvd about mike’s life he
cursing and shouting inappropriately. however, only 10–19% says, “i don’t think tourette’s takes away your dreams, i just
of people with ts actually have this symptom, called think that it may put an extra wall or two between you and
coprolalia (cop·ro·la·li·a). the majority of people have other accomplishing your dreams, but you can get over the walls.”
tics. a tic is a repetitive sound or movement that cannot be
controlled. it has been described as compared to having an Free Resources and More Information
itch that has to be scratched. You might be able to hold back For over 40 years, the national tourette syndrome
for a while, but at some point, you just have to scratch. association has helped thousands of families affected by
Not everyone with tics has tourette syndrome. in fact, ts. through a partnership with the u.s. centers for
20% of school-aged children will have tics that come and disease control (cdc), we are able to give away free
go, but are not symptoms of ts. a child that has both materials to help you. We have dvds, brochures, and
motor and vocal tics for over a year could have tourette online tools. We also have no-cost materials for teachers,
syndrome. a knowledgeable doctor can help determine if doctors, and other care providers. one of these is our hBo
your child has ts. emmy award-winning documentary, “i have tourette’s,
but tourette’s doesn’t have me”. We can also send you
Treatment/Medications “mike higgins: overcoming the odds,” “tourette
a diagnosis of tourette might seem overwhelming. syndrome in the classroom, school, and community,” and
however, a doctor trained in ts can help guide the most other informative dvds. Finally, we have a list of doctors
effective treatment plan. the national tourette syndrome who are trained in working with individuals with tourette
association has a list of doctors with experience working syndrome. please contact us for some of these resources,
with children with ts. see below for more information. and we’ll mail them to you at no charge. I
While a few medications exist for severe tics, they are
often not necessary. some families find that educating RESOURCES:
National tourette syndrome association (tsa) website – http://www.tsa-usa.org/
peers and community members is all that is needed. the
“mike higgins: against the odds” – http://www.tsa-usa.org/Z_tsa_video/
more people who understand tourette syndrome, the mikehiggins/mikehiggins.html
easier day-to-day life is for people who have it. “i have tourette’s, but tourette’s doesn’t have me” – http://tsa-usa.org/
ZhBo/videoplayer.html
Tourette Syndrome and School kathy Giordano, B.s., is the tourette syndrome association’s education
many children with tourette syndrome also have other specialist. marissa Frieder, B.s., and carrie Bateman, m.p.h., are project
developers for the tourette syndrome association-centers for disease
conditions like ocd, adhd, learning disabilities, or control and prevention (tsa-cdc) partnership.
handwriting problems. these issues might seem ms. Giordano will be presenting on “tourette syndrome and associated
daunting, but open communication between parents and disorders in the school and classroom” at NBcdi’s 42nd annual conference.


African American Parents:
WE ARE ENGAGED IN OUR
CHILDREN’S EDUCATION
Dr. Nedra Washington

m any parents know the importance of
becoming involved in the overall develop-
ment and education of their children.
they know that their participation in the school set-
ting is necessary because their involvement influ-
ences the academic success of their children. What
many parents have a difficult time with is finding the
time to continue the involvement process academi-
cally. this has been a challenge not just for african
american parents, but all parents who have children,
and want to become more active in the education of
their children. parents – guess what? this is not a
difficult task! You just need a good strategy that pro-
vides you with good information on how to become
involved and remained involved in the education of
your children.

Types of Involvement
Joyce epstein’s model of parental involvement is a 2. Communicating – Your communication with your
great place to begin when discussing parental child’s school is another type of parental
involvement. this model provides parents with six involvement. communication comes in different
different types of parental involvement, and these types forms for example, a note from you, an email, a
are easy to follow and apply in the everyday hustle and text message, a phone call, a conference, video
bustle of parenting. epstein’s model consist of (1) calls. the communication between the parents and
parenting, (2) communicating, (3) volunteering, (4) the teachers allows parents to know exactly what is
learning at home, (5) decision making, and (6) going in the educational setting of their children.
collaborating with community. parents, you can utilize one or more of these ways
to communicate with your child’s teacher. this is
1. Parenting – provide a quiet, safe, and healthful necessary because it sends a message to the
learning environment within your home with good teachers that you care about your child’s education
supervision, guidance, and most importantly, and it lets your child know that you are an active
discipline. providing this environment will help participant in their education. When parents use at
the child become more self-assured, allow parents least one of these types of communication with
the opportunity to connect with their child, as well teachers, parents are involved.
as set a good example for the child. We need
healthy families, which begin with involved 3. Volunteering – this type is sometimes the most
parents who have purpose, who prepare, and who difficult for parents because many believe they
participate. When parents provide this type of must be present at the school to volunteer. in a
environment, parents are involved. perfect situation, that would be great, however,
continued on page 10


African American Parents: We are Engaged in Our Children’s Education continued from page 9

there are other ways to volunteer. many
parents possess great talents unknown to
teachers. let teachers know what your
strengths are through communication.
For example, parents, if you are great
with computers, maybe you can create a
parent newsletter from home. if you are
great with arts and crafts, you can create
different items for the different holiday
classroom decor. if you have the time to
visit the classroom, help in the office,
assist at a sporting event, or even become
a part of the school council, please do so.
it is not about how much time you
spend, but the quality of time you spend
becoming a volunteer. When parents
volunteer and participate in any of these
activities, parents are involved.

4. Learning at Home – Your support continues at participant within the community will improve
home. this means listening to children, having the child’s education and teach the child the
conversations with your children, reading to your importance of contributing to the community and
children, helping with homework, or even a family giving back to their cultural setting. When parents
outing. reinforcing your participation in the home participate in any form of community events,
is a part of the initial goal of becoming involved parents are involved.
and continues to promote the academic success of
your child. When parents share in any of the Now that we know how parents can become involved
activities, parents are involved. in the education of their children, there is one last matter
that we must address. all of the information provided is
5. Decision Making – let your voice be heard. You great, but in order for this to work, we must be
can become a part of the decision making process consistent in implementing these practices. Without
at your school, but in order to do this, you must consistency, it will not work. You may not be able to
become active. Your activity can take place in implement all six of the involvement types, but you must
parent groups that work consistently with the begin somewhere. select those that you know you can
school. Working with parent groups and the school do, and start there. as you master the different types of
gives you a voice, and helps your children. Your involvement, add another over the course of time. soon,
voice can be heard on a district, state and national you will become totally involved in the education of your
levels. When parents lift their voices for their child. You have the plan, you have the power, and you
children in the appropriate manner, parents are have purpose. I
involved.
HELPFUL WEBSITES FOR PARENTS.
6. Collaborating with the Community – What a http://www2.ed.gov/programs/pirc/index.html
http://urbanext.illinois.edu/succeed/parental.cfm
better way to teach children than through the http://www.schoolfamily.com/involved-parent
community. communities provide a range of http://www.readingrockets.org/article/25979/
events where children and parents can become
dr. Nedra Washington is a specialist in the area of child development
active participants. Working within the and parental involvement. she is currently an assistant director of a
community increases the learning opportunities child care facility as well as an adjunct instructor at a major university.
for children. community involvement can include dr. Washington will be presenting on “african american parents:
We are engaged in our children’s education” at NBcdi’s 42nd
faith groups, businesses, service organizations, and annual conference.
neighborhood associations. Being an active


Responsible Fatherhood
Joe Jones, Founder & CEO, Center for Urban Families
www.cfuf.org

r esponsible Fatherhood is
described as the state or
responsibility of being a
father. all children deserve to have
a relationship with both of their
parents, regardless of their parents’
romantic status. according to the
u.s. census Bureau data, 64 per-
cent of african american children
are living in fatherless homes.
although single mothers can and
do raise healthy, happy children,
the overall effects on children
growing up without
fathers in the home
are dramatic: these
children are more
likely to drop
out of school, father, what their role will be in that development.
become preg- 2. Increasing child support payments: more than
nant as a not, the mothers of the children maintain custody
teenager, expe- and fathers are in the position of paying child
rience physical support. in the transition to responsible
and/or emotion- fatherhood, it is imperative that fathers gain a
al neglect, engage better understanding of their child support status.
in drug activity and if they are behind in payments, it should be the
alcohol at a younger focus of the father to find resources that can help
age, and live in poverty. them begin making current payments. cFuF
at the center for urban Families connects fathers with information on child
(cFuF), we are aiming to help decrease these statistics visitation, child care and custody.
and bring responsible fatherhood to our urban commu- 3. Increasing healthy relationships: the key to
nity. We are based in Baltimore, md, where men who are having a healthy relationship with children and
interested in becoming better fathers for their children having them grow up with a healthy view of
and promoting a healthy relationship with their chil- relationship is to make sure that both parents
dren’s mother receive useful services and a strong sup- maintain a healthy relationship themselves. an
port system. in the Baltimore responsible Fatherhood amicable relationship between parents, whether
program, there are 5 main efforts to helping our clients together or not, creates a better environment for
be better fathers, more engaged in their children’s lives. the child, establishes a proper view of authority
1. Improving acquisition and demonstration of from both parents, creates a better space for family
parenting skills: all first time parents go through communication, influences the child’s behavior
the same thing in learning to be a parent. For our and can affect how they engage in relationships
fathers, cFuF uses the dadmap curriculum. later on in life.
Fathers are taught what stages their children will 4. Increasing job readiness: a large part of being a
go through during their development and, as a father is being able to provide for your family.


Responsible Fatherhood continued from page 11

When a father is job ready and employed, the foundations for the community. We are fulfilling the
children’s quality of life is improved. here at the promise by doing outreach and providing services to
center, we want to make sure that in addition to fathers that want to be more active in their children’s life,
improving parenting skills, our fathers are able to and present opportunities for them to show that they are
provide economic stability for their families. our better than they were. it’s not easy being a father, but if
strive program is the link for most of our clients you are willing to put in the work, it’s the most beautiful
to move towards gaining employment. gift you can give to your child, by being in their life. I
5. Decreasing criminal involvement: if fathers are
engaged in criminal activity, it increases the risk of RESOURCES:
incarceration- which leads to further absence in 1. Baltimore responsible Fatherhood project: http://cfuf.org/brfp.php
2. National Fatherhood initiative: http://www.fatherhood.org/
their child’s life. in many cases, men engage in page.aspx?pid=403
criminal activity because opportunities present 3. National Fatherhood leaders Group www.nflgonline.org
4. National responsible Fatherhood clearinghouse http://fatherhood.gov/
themselves, or they need resources; this is why it 5. Women in Fatherhood http://womeninfatherhood.org/main/
is worthwhile to help fathers get connected with
resources that lessen the likelihood that they will Joseph t. Jones, Jr. is founder of the center for urban Families (cFuF),
pursue criminal routes. a Baltimore, maryland nonprofit. cFuF's mission is to strengthen urban
communities by helping fathers and families achieve stability and
Breaking the cycle of fatherlessness in our urban economic success.
community is of great importance to cFuF’s mission. it is mr. Jones will be presenting on “Fatherhood: the total package-
in our vision to give parents the opportunity to provide relationships, children, Work and responsibility” at NBcdi’s 42nd
annual conference.
the best opportunities for their children and become solid

Leadership Roles for Black Parents:
A ROADMAP TO HELP PARENTS ADVOCATE ON
BEHALF OF OUR SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN
Khadijah Lang, M.D.

a frican-american children with special needs
often start out with three strikes more than white
or majority children with the same diagnoses.
• Strike 1: many of our children’s treatable and/or
improvable diagnoses are mis- or under-diagnosed,
assist in educating, developing and caring for special
needs children, and legal methods exist to enable a
parent to bring them in line with the existing federal
americans with disabilities act (ada) requirements.
however, our families often can't afford expensive
which results in inappropriate and/or inadequate fees for lawyers, advocates and private professionals
services and accommodations. to provide unbiased and supportive opinions
• Strike 2: even when they receive an iep (individual regarding what services their Black child really needs
education plan) or an ipp (individual program and qualifies for.
plan), Black children are routinely allotted fewer and a recent article in the los angeles times provided the
less effective services, as well as smaller quantities following data on how much was spent per autistic child
and shorter durations of such services, including by race for ages 3 to 6 years old (the second most critical
fewer therapy sessions or group therapy instead of period for treating the disorder, after ages 1 to 3 years old).
individual sessions. in california, where i practice, the State Department of
• Strike 3: parents, guardians or caregivers of these Developmental Services in 2010 average spending was
children often lack knowledge about how special $11,723 per child on whites, and $11,063 on Asians, as
education and mental health systems function, compared to $7,634 on Latinos and $6,593 on blacks.
especially in school. these systems are designed to continued on page 13


Further limited information from public schools showed opinion on your child’s needs, so you have something
whites to be more likely than minorities to get basic with which to fight their decisions. this increases the
services like occupational therapy, which helps with a likelihood of your appeal being successful.
child’s coordination and motor skills.
STEP FOUR: Get your personal story on paper.
so now that we see what our children are up against, put your ideas or concerns into straight-forward words
what can we do to improve this situation, and how or sentences, as this will make it easier for others to see
should we do it? why your request is important, and how it can help
others in the future. By telling your own story, you really
STEP ONE: Understand the system. personalize the problem, and this encourages others to
school districts and regional centers have to assess, or get involved and help to achieve equal treatment for all
test, these children in multiple areas. the results special needs children.
determine what their diagnosis is and which services
they need to give for the child to have the best chance to STEP FIVE: Become a community leader.
achieve his or her highest possible level of functioning. armed with your personal story, you have the knowledge
these tests are done by professionals, funded through to approach your elected officials, councilmen, assembly-
government and schools, free of charge. men, representatives or senators and help make changes in
your local, state and national health policies. these are
STEP TWO: Voice your concerns. legislators elected in your district to make laws that support
if you disagree with what, or how much, treatment their constituents, or district residents like yourself.
they recommend for your child, you can voice
those concerns, but remember that it’s Before you make an appointment to see
difficult to increase the services offered to them, connect with other parents in your
your child without the opinion of same district that have experienced
another professional. if you don’t have problems with the system as it is, and
the money to pay for these expensive agree with your plans on how to improve
specialists, don’t give up! visit your it, or have additional ideas of their own.
pediatrician or family physician, You can also reach out to other
instead. When taking your child to the community members, including leaders
appointment, do Not forget to bring a and members from religious and civic
copy of the iep iFp and all the
, , organizations, to ask them to join your
assessments of your child. cause and visit your elected officials together.
also, make a list of things you disagree with Remember that a key point is to help make
in your child’s reports, and why. come prepared to more parent, physicians, educators and elected officials
explain to the doctor what changes in their program you aware of the problem of racial disparities in special needs
feel need to be made, and why (in other words, how services. Bring your stories – and your data – to persuade
these changes would help your child). politicians and administrators to pay attention to this
Finally, try to be constructive. Whining doesn’t help you problem and promote practices that encourage equality.
or your child. thinking negatively when we’re already in a
challenging situation only drains what little energy we Your child's special needs just might launch a new
have left, after spending the large amount of effort career for you as an advocate helping other parents, or as
frequently needed to care for a child with special needs. a legislator with personal experience writing the next set
of balanced and comprehensive laws to support and
STEP THREE: Ask for a referral. strengthen the ada and remove the racial disparities
private therapists are generally more generous with their that are inherent in its present form.
recommendations for services, and often only require the so get out those ieps and iFps, assessments, and
co-pay (or are often free if child is covered by medicaid) doctors’ phone numbers, make an appointment, and get
instead of their customary fees which are normally ready to fight the legislative battles. I
hundreds of dollars. if you can, call your doctor or health
plan representatives and ask for a referral to therapists for dr. l khadijah lang is the medical director of lang Family practice, a
"full scope" private clinic in the inner city of los angeles.
speech, occupational, physical or psychological therapy.
dr. lang will be presenting on “professional advocacy for special Needs
this allows you to go back to your school with a second children” at NBcdi’s 42nd annual conference.


Texting on the Move
l exi bumped into someone at the
mall. curtis slammed into a parking
meter. ryan tripped over a bag at the
airport. You've probably seen it, and maybe
you’ve even laughed: people can end up in
driver’s phone records to check for phone
and text activity in the seconds and
minutes before a fatal crash.
When people text while behind the wheel,
they’re focusing their attention — and often
some pretty goofy situations when they text their eyes — on something other than the
and walk at the same time. road. in fact, driving while texting (dWt)
Believe it or not, people can also get hurt. can be more dangerous than driving under
the american college of emergency the influence of alcohol or drugs.
physicians warns people about texting on texting from behind the wheel is against
the move. er docs who treat people like the law in almost 20 states and the district
curtis (he cracked his ribs in his encounter of columbia. many more states are trying
with the parking meter) say that we need to to put dWt regulations into action. even
be more cautious about when and where in states without specific laws, if you
we text. swerve all over the place, cut off cars, or
bring on a collision because of texting, you
What’s the Big Deal? could still be charged with reckless driving.
the problem is multitasking. No matter that may mean a ticket, a lost license, or
how young and agile we are, the human even jail time if you cause a fatal crash.
brain just isn’t capable of doing several things at once and
giving full attention to all of them. so you can get into Tips for Texting
some major danger if you try to text in situations that parents, we know that it’s hard for our teens to live
require your full focus. without texting – it may even be hard for us! so the best
When you text you’re thinking about what to say, thing to do is manage how and when we text, choosing
concentrating on what your thumbs are doing, and the right time and place – and making sure that our
reading constantly incoming messages rather than paying children do the same.
attention to what you’re doing or where you’re going. and here are three ways to make sure your messaging
that significantly ups your risk of getting hurt or injuring doesn’t interfere with your focus — or your life. make
others. sure you model these activities for your children, and
it doesn’t matter if you can text without looking at the require them to do the same:
keypad. even if texting feels like second nature, your 1. always put your phone in an easily accessible
brain is still trying to do two things at once — and one of place, like a specific pouch or pocket in your
them is bound to get less attention. backpack or purse so it’s easy to find.
texting also prevents you from paying close attention 2. if you need to text right away, stop what you’re
to what’s going on around you, something that’s especially doing or pull off the road.
important in situations where you need to have your 3. turn off your phone completely when you’re doing
guard up, like walking home after dark. Your reaction anything that requires your full attention. that way
time is also likely to be much slower if you’re texting. if there’s less temptation to answer calls or texts.
you’re about to run into someone or something else, you to avoid an injury — whether it’s a cut on your face or
may not have time to act before it’s too late. a bruise to your ego — or a horrible tragedy, use your
best judgment. text only when you’re not putting
When Texting Turns Tragic yourself or others in harm’s way. and if you’re riding in a
texting while walking can even be fatal. one woman in car with a driver who is texting, ask him or her to stop or
san Francisco was killed when she walked right into the try not to ride with that person again. I
path of a pickup truck. that’s rare, of course. But texting
is more likely to contribute to car crashes. We know this REVIEWED BY: larissa hirsch, md, January 2010
because police and other authorities sometimes use a SOURCE: teenshealth from Nemours. 2010.
http://kidshealth.org/teen/safety/driving/texting.html# retrieved June 2012.


healthY kids, healthY commuNities

On the Ground in…Seattle
Bcdi-seattle’s vision for this 30 year initiative is that
our children will live in neighborhoods where children
and youth are no longer anonymous, where neighbors are
watching out for all the children and helping them to
make good choices in a spirit of umoja (unity). to realize
this goal, neighborhoods (families, faith communities and
youth program neighbors) are being invited to learn—
live—and teach the omega Boys club alive and Free
prescription and use a shared set of understandings,
Connecticut Congressman John Larson wrote recently: values and principles in our everyday interactions.
“children and teenagers are losing their lives, losing the omega Boys club alive and Free prescription has
their friends, losing their family members, and losing three key components (a) recognition of the
their youth. They feel fear, helplessness, horror and the “commandments of violence,” because far too many of
sense that life and safety are in danger. Tragically, many our children are living and dying from messages of
have grown numb to the violence around them.” violence transmitted in the music, movies and the media;
(b) identification of “risk factors” (alcohol and drug use,

t he above description is as true for the residents of
smaller cities like hartford, connecticut as it is for a
larger city like seattle. in 2009, Bcdi-seattle’s
education committee chair, dr. debra sullivan, lost her son
aaron, who was shot and killed in a middle-class seattle
destructive language, materialism, etc.) that influence
behavior and put everyone in jeopardy and (c) the “rules
for living,” which reinforce a value for human life and
interpersonal dignity in our everyday interactions.
the omega Boys club is internationally known for its
neighborhood. aaron was killed not because he was effective use of this simple but elegant “prescription” to
involved in drugs or gangs but because he was in the wrong successfully diagnose and inoculate all of us—our youth
place at the wrong time—safety is no longer a matter of and families, neighbors and partners against the socially
location but how we think about and treat one another. transmitted “disease of violence.” Bcdi-seattle is proud to
Following this tragedy, the seattle affiliate decided to do be a part of this global youth violence prevention
more than just promote youth violence prevention by movement aimed at keeping our children alive and free.
supporting the mayor’s youth violence prevention initiative. For more information about this exciting BCDI-Seattle
We decided to lead an initiative, the aim of which is to initiative, go to www.bcdi-seattle.org and click on “juvenile
recreate the sense of community efficacy many of our justice” on the side bar. To learn more about the work of the
members grew up with in seattle and around the country. Omega Boys Club go to http://www.street-soldiers.org. I
We recognized that we needed to engage our community 1 http://www.larson.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=636&itemid=77)

“neighborhood by neighborhood” in becoming more
involved with our young people. out of this deep sense of
commitment an initiative was born: “Bcdi-seattle’s Youth
violence prevention, Neighborhood by Neighborhood.”
the seattle affiliate’s efforts are underpinned by the
youth violence prevention global movement being
spearheaded by the san Francisco based omega Boys club
and co-founder of the alive and Free prescription™, dr.
Joseph marshall. dr. marshall was invited to seattle to be
our may 2010 annual conference keynote speaker and
welcomed back again in the Fall of 2011 to train a core
group in the alive and Free prescription, which views
youth violence as a public health disease—requiring social
“inoculation” to keep youth alive and free.


BetWeeN the covers

Our Children
Deserve the BestVivian G. Johnson, Ph.D., Marygrove College
Jonella A. Mongo, Ph.D., Oakland University
Toni S. Walters, Ph.D., Oakland University

the Best For the Best!
By Vivian G. Johnson, Ph.D.

a
moment comes. a
song lyric, a simple
statement or a
memory can connect you to
something special that just
makes sense. this column’s
theme relates to 2012 NBcdi
conference title Our Children
Deserve the Best which caused
me to ponder, what is “The
Best?” one dictionary defines
it as a “superlative of good”…
“of the most excellent,
effective, or desirable type or
quality.” Back in 1978 Gladys
knight sang about love in You Bring Out the Best In Me. Nine years later gospel singer vanessa Bell armstrong sang
the same “best” from a different perspective. to bring the best “out,” it must already exist. how do we recognize
that “best”? What is the criterion? Who sets the standard?

as a protective service worker, i often responded to emergency calls. on one occasion, a mother met me at the door
with tears streaming down her face, “i did the best i could,” she said. unfortunately, her “best” was not in sync with
her child’s. Nevertheless, the best is inside each child, waiting to be nurtured to fruition and that something inside is
so strong that it must be recognized and embraced. the Between the Covers team has culled the literature that speaks
to the best for our children with books inclusive of the following that reflect what is best in families (Color Struck),
neighborhoods (The Neighborhood Sing Along), communities (St. Louis Armstrong Beach), schools (Black Boy White
School) and individuals (Chocolate Me).


Ages Birth–3 *Carter, Sabrina, Illustrator *Jerry
Craft, (2010), Please Don’t Yell at
*Crews, Nina, (2011), The We! Baby Ellington, LLC. This
Neighborhood Sing-Along, entertaining story will remind every-
Greenwillow Books. Families will one of the little mishaps and boo
love singing these all time boos children have and how par-
favorite songs. This collection of ents sometimes forget. Ages 4-8
thirty-four songs including Skip to
My Lou, The Alphabet Song, I’m *Jordan, Deloris, Illustrator Barry
a Little Teapot and Miss Mary Root, (2012), Dream Big, Simon &
Mack are accompanied by lovely Schuster. The mother of celebrat-
photographs from the author’s ed basketball player Michael
Brooklyn neighborhood. Ages 3 and up Jordan once again highlights times
during his childhood that helped
to mold him into an Olympic
Ages 4–8 medalist. Ages 4 and up
*Harris, Teresa,(2011) illustra- * Diggs, Taye, *Shane Evans,
tor *A. G. Ford. Summer (2011), Chocolate Me. Feiwel &
Jackson: Grown Up, Friends. Based on personal expe-
Katherine Tegen Books. riences, this story is about a young
Summer is tired of being boy who is teased because of his
seven and decides she wants skin color and hair texture. His
to be a grown-up. She mother helps him understand and
demands to make changes accept his attributes and he cele-
that ultimately get her in brates with his friends. Ages 4
trouble. Ford’s illustrations and up
grab and hold the reader’s
attention as Summer transforms. This story will engage any *Blake-Garrett, Andrea
young child who has ever wanted to be grown. Ages 4-7 (2011), The Adventures of
Izzy and JuJu: Twin
*Evans, Shane W., (2012). Detective Investigators
We March, Roaring Brook (T.D.I.) - The Case of the
Press. Young readers will gain Missing Flowers,
an understanding of what the AuthorHouse. Three year-
1963 March on Washington old twins discover they
was all about. The simplistic have a special gift, the
text and illustrations portray ability to speak to living
the power of this important things. Juju talks to ani-
historical event. Ages 4-8 mals and Izzy is able to talk to plants. The two work togeth-
er to find the flowers that disappeared from their yard. This
*Brown, Tameka Fryer,
book is the first in a series that takes young readers on a
Illustrator *Charlotte Riley-
wonderful journey into the world of science. Ages 4 and up
Webb, (2010), Around our
Way on Neighbors’ Day, *Blake-Garrett, Andrea,
Abrams Books for Young (2012), The Adventures of
Readers. A little girl enjoys the Izzy and JuJu: Twin
special summer day of cele- Detective Investigators
bration in her neighborhood. (T.D.I.) - The Case of the
She is happy to see fun-filled Missing Egg,
activities like playing double AuthorHouse. The twins
Dutch, basketball, and danc- are four years old and
ing that showcase the involved in a new case
warmth and closeness of her community. Of course, a where they learn that not all eggs are alike when their
Neighbors’ Day would not be complete without ice cream new eggs disappear. They investigate to solve this mystery
and sour lemonade. Ages 4-8 and learn science at the same time. Ages 4 and up



Between the Covers, continued from page 17

Mason, Margaret, Illustrator golf in segregated Ohio at a time when Black children were
*Floyd Cooper, (2011), These often told they had to be “twice as good” as whites to be
Hands, Houghton Mifflin Books successful. This is a “straight-forward” story your child will
for Children. Grandfather tells not forget. Ages 5-10
his grandson how he used his
hands in the past and then *Tate, Don, Illustrator *R.
teaches him how to tie his Gregory Christie, (2102), It
shoes, play piano, shuffles cards Jes’ Happened: When
and hit a baseball. He also Bill Traylor Started to
shares one thing he could not do Draw, Lee and Low Books.
with his hands, which was to bake bread at the local Bill Traylor worked the cot-
Wonder Bread Factory. This well-written book shows how ton fields as an enslaved
issues of discrimination and segregation can be introduced man until freedom came.
to young children. Ages 4 and up His family continued work-
ing as sharecroppers. At age 79, Bill was homeless and
alone, but at age 83 his memories and present life took
Ages 5–9 shape on paper as this self-taught artist just let it happen.
Ages 6 and up
*Mitchell, Margaree King,
Illustrator *James Ransome, Schroeder, Alan, Illustrator
(2012), When Grandmama *Cornelius Van Wright & Ying-
Sings, Amistad. Eight year-old Hwa Hu, (2012), Baby Flo:
Belle learns many new things Florence Mills Lights Up the
when she travels with her jazz Stage, Lee and Low Books. Baby
singer Grandmother in the deep Flo began performing on stage at
South. Despite all the obstacles age three and her singing and
encountered, with segregation dancing fame grew. She went on
the same as it is at home, their to become an international per-
love for each other grows stronger and Belle believes former during the Harlem
Grandmama’s singing will bring people together. Ages 5 Renaissance. A great story for creative and talented young
and up readers. Ages 6-11

*Cline-Ransome, Lesa, *Armand, Glenda, Illustrator
Illustrator *James Ransome, *Colin Bootman, (2011),
(2012), Words Set Me Free: Love Twelve Miles Long,
The Story of Young Lee and Low Books. Young
Frederick Douglass. Paula Frederick Douglas needed to
Wiseman Books. This first know how his mother could
person perspective biograph- walk so far just to see him.
ical story is an excellent intro- When she tells him about the
duction to nonfiction. The singing, praying, listening and remembering it draws her
vibrant illustrations about life closer to him on the long journey. Ages 6 and up
during enslavement will help
early readers to begin discussing this time in history. Ages *Myers, Walter Dean,
5 and up Illustrator *Christopher
Myers, (2011), We Are
Richard Michelson, Illustrator * America: A Tribute from
Eric Velasquez, (2012), Twice As the Heart, HarperCollins. It
Good - The Story of William is clear that both father and
Powell and Clearview, the son wrote and painted from
Only Golf Course Designed, their hearts. The combina-
Built, and Owned by an tion is a powerful message of
African-American, Sleeping “rediscovery” and “possibilities” described in lyrical words
Bear Press. Against the odds, and multi-hued faces. Young readers learn about heritage
young William learned to play and diversity that is America. Ages 7 and up


*Abdul-Jabbar, Kareem and *Pinkney, Andrea, illustrator *Sean
Raymond Obstfeld, Illustrators Qualls, (2011) Bird in a Box, Little,
Ben Boos and *A.G. Ford (2012) Brown Books for Young Readers. This
What Color Is My World? The collection of short stories that revolve
Lost History of African around boxer’s Joe championship
American Inventors. Candlewick fight, share the hopes and promises
Press. Twins Herbie and Ella are of three 12 year-olds, Otis, Hibernia
not happy about their not so new and Willie. Each child needed a life-
home until Mr. Mital, the handyman, introduces them to changing event to take place. Their
“rooms filled with a kind of magic” –inventions by African stories unfold and lives intertwine,
Americans- that changed the world. Ages 8-12 along with a cat named Bird, from present to past and
back to night the Brown Bomber became the Heavyweight
*Shange, Ntozake, Illustrator Champion. Ages 8 and up
*Rod Brown, (2012),
Freedom’s a-Callin Me,
Amistad. This story is a Ages 9–12
“reimagination” of enslaved
*Curtis, Christopher Paul, (2012), The
people traveling on the
Mighty Miss Malone. Wendy Lamb
Underground Railroad. Poetic
Books. This historical fiction book set
voice and vivid illustrations con-
during the Great Depression
vey the essence of the risks and challenges on this journey,
recounts the challenges and tri-
and thirst for freedom that kept them going. Ages 8-12
umphs of 12 year-old Deza Malone
* Smith, Jr., Charles R., illustrator and her family. When her father
*Frank Morrison, (2012), Stars in must leave to find work, Deza, her
the Shadows: The Negro mother and brother go on a search
League All-Star Game of 1934. to find him. Their tough journey from Gary, Indiana to Flint,
Atheneum Books for Young Michigan and back is heartbreaking at times, yet filled with
Readers. The announcer’s words a sense of hope as the family members overcome numer-
provide play-by-play action of this ous obstacles. Deza’s intelligence and resilient makes her
important baseball game while really the “Mighty Miss Malone.” Ages 9-12
realistic black and white images
*Woods, Brenda (2011), St. Louis
pitch, swing, hit, run and slide
Armstrong Beach, Nancy Paulsen
across the pages. Commercials
Books/Penguin. No one on his
and fan- comments are included. Ages 8 and up
street expected Hurricane Katrina to
*Haskins, Jim & Kathleen Benson, devastate his or her home. Twelve
Illustrator *Benny Andrews, (2006), year-old Saint Louis just wanted to
John Lewis in the Lead: A story of make a few more dollars to buy a
the Civil Rights Movement, Lee and saxophone. With the neighborhood
Low Books. This biography highlights dog, Shadow, as his companion he
John Lewis’ numerous contributions to played music on the beach until
the Civil Rights Movement during the they had to evacuate. When sepa-
1960s. A timeline and actual pho- rated from his family, he finds himself in a house with a
tographs add to the story about Georgia elderly sick neighbor and rising water. Saint wondered if
Congressman Lewis’ historical work. Ages 8 and up Shadow is a help or a hinder. Ages 10-14

*Medina, Tony, Jesse Joshua *Bolden, Tonya, (2010), FDR’S
Watson, (2012) I and I Bob Alphabet Soup: New Deal America
Marley, Lee and Low Books. 1932-1939, Knopf Books for Young
International Jamaican musician Readers. This is a creative rendering
and singer Marley’s life unfolds of the historical New Deal legislature,
page after page in this poetic known metaphorically as the
and colorful tribute noting his Alphabet, implemented by President
contributions as an activist and Roosevelt during his first 100 days in
musical talents. Ages 8 and up office. Ages 12 and up



Between the Covers, continued from page 19

*Woodson, Jacqueline, (2012), Young Adults
Beneath a Meth Moon, Nancy
Paulsen Books. Fifteen year-old *Walker, Brian, (2012), Black
Laurel’s world is shattered when Boy White School.
her mother and grandmother HarperTeen. At fourteen
were lost to Hurricane Katrina. Anthony knew what he wanted
When her father relocated the to do with his life, but the only
surviving family members to problem was, his mother knew
another town, being a cheer- something different. When his
leader with a best friend and a best friend died, his fate was
boyfriend were not enough to sealed. He left the familiar
numb the pain of her loss. streets of East Cleveland to
Numbness came when she was introduced to “moon” and attend a private boarding
spiraled into a place of no return that ended with hope in a school in Maine and the experi-
new friend. Ages 12 and up ence would change his life forever. Ages 14 and up

*Tuck, Pamela & Joel Tuck, *Obama, Michelle, (2012), American Grown – The Story
(2010), Color Struck. of the White House Kitchen Garden and Gardens
CreateSpace. Fifteen year-old Across America. Crown Publishers. The first lady chroni-
Renee was confused and hurt cles the development of the White House garden by sea-
about the rift between her sons, provides a brief historical overview of other White
older sister, Pat and first cousin, House gardens and
Cherie. Neither had control of highlights community
their skin color, but it seemed and school gardens
to control them. It took across the country.
Grandma’s story about her life Along with detailed
for the girls to understand how gardening tips, the
something like this could tear book also includes
a family apart and the promise recipes for each season
that could hold it together. Ages 12 and up of the year. The beauti-
ful colored pho-
tographs are perfect for
the reader friendly text.

THE BTC TEAM:
Dr. Toni S. Walters – professor at oakland university in
rochester, michigan
Dr. Vivian G. Johnson – associate professor at marygrove
college in detroit, michigan
Dr. Jonella A. Mongo – education consultant & adjuct
Faculty member at oakland university.
A NOTE TO AUTHORS AND PUBLISHERS
We encourage authors and publishers to send advance
review copies and newly released books for children to:
dr. vivian Johnson, marygrove college, detroit,
michigan 48221
the Between the Covers team will review them for
consideration in future columns.


What’s In Season for
SUMMER AND FALL?
B elow are some of the fruits and vegetables that are in season this summer. support local farmers by purchasing
your produce at a farmer’s market or local grocery store. Bring your kids along to help pick out the groceries.
challenge your family to try a new fruit or vegetable this summer and Fall – you never know what you might like.
Happy healthy eating! I

Apples They’re at their best beginning in late summer and continuing through the fall. Granny Smiths
Summer and Fall and Red Delicious are classic favorites, but be sure to try some of the more unusual apple
varieties as well – there are many to choose from!
Avocados An avocado requires pitting and peeling, but once the work is finished you can enjoy it in a
Summer variety of ways – on its own or as a substitute for mayonnaise in a sandwich.
Blueberries Tart and sweet at the same time, blueberries make a great summer snack! Enjoy them right out
Summer of your hand or mix them into your favorite baked goods recipes.
Celery Be sure to rinse your celery stalks thoroughly before eating. Celery is a quick and easy after
Summer and Fall school snack but also a great addition to soups and salads.
Chiles Dried chilies are available year round at grocery stores, but hot, fresh chilies are best in the fall. There
Fall are numerous varieties ranging from mild to extremely hot, so you are sure to find something you enjoy.
Corn The sooner corn is eaten the sweeter it will taste. Broiled, steamed or grilled there’s nothing
Summer quite like sweet corn on a summer evening.
Cranberries Cranberries are a very nutritious fruit best known for their debut at Thanksgiving in
Fall cranberry sauce.
Cucumbers Did you know cucumbers are about 20 degrees cooler than the surrounding air? Add them to
Summer your salad to cool down from the hot summer days.
Eggplant Try brining your eggplants (soaking them in salt water) to minimize their bitter taste. Brined or
Summer not, eggplants taste great when grilled.
Figs Eat figs one or two days after you buy them – they ripen quickly. Try adding them to yogurt for
Summer and Fall a sweet, healthy snack.
Grapes There are many varieties of grapes to choose from – Black Monukka, Cardinal and Ribier, just to
Fall name a few. Grapes make for a simple, on-the-go snack.
Green Beans Green beans are available year-round, but are at their best from mid-summer into fall. They tend
Fall to be served steamed and buttered but can also be baked into a green bean casserole.
Mushrooms Cultivated mushrooms are less expensive and more readily available than wild mushrooms.
Fall You can steam them or try making cream of mushroom soup.
Peaches Peaches are best towards the end of summer. Eating them right out of the hand can make a
Summer sticky mess so you can also try mixing them into fruit salads and smoothies.
Pomegranates Pomegranates are in season for about two months in the fall. Cut open these bright red fruits
Fall and enjoy the fresh seeds.
Pumpkins They aren’t just for carving at Halloween. Try making pumpkin bread or soup. If you do decide
Fall to carve a pumpkin, try roasting the left over seeds for a yummy snack.
Tomatoes Go green by growing your own tomatoes right at home. Take them straight from the vine and
Summer enjoy fresh tomato soup or bruschetta – the possibilities are endless!
Zucchini Zucchini is great when grilled and seasoned. Or try something new and make a loaf of fresh
Summer zucchini bread!


summer/Fall 2012 recipe

Vegetable Quesadillas
This quick dish is a delicious way for your family to get all of the necessary vitamins and
nutrients all in one bite! Be sure to take your children with you to the local grocery store
or farmers market to pick out the ingredients. Once home, make sure to include the entire
family in the preparation.

INGREDIENTS:
• ½ cup chopped red bell pepper
• ½ cup chopped zucchini
• ½ cup chopped yellow squash
• ½ cup chopped red onion
• ½ cup chopped mushrooms
• ½ cup of black beans
(these vegetables are simply
suggestions, feel free to incorporate any
of your favorite veggies into this dish!)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 package of (9 inch) whole wheat tortillas
• 1 ¼ cups shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese

DIRECTIONS:
1. in a large nonstick pan, cook vegetables in olive oil over medium to medium-high heat for
about 7 minutes, or until just tender. remove vegetables from pan.
2. coat the same pan with cooking spray, or olive oil, and place one tortilla in pan. sprinkle ¼
cup of cheese evenly over tortilla, and layer ¾ cup of the vegetable mixture over the cheese.
sprinkle another ⅛ cup of cheese on the vegetables, and top with a second tortilla. cook until
golden on both sides, for approximately 2 to 3 minutes per side. remove quesadilla from pan,
and repeat with remaining ingredients. cut each quesadilla into triangles and serve!

Send your favorite recipe to moreinfo@nbcdi.org and we’ll publish one winner in the next issue of Child Health Talk!


NON-PROFIT ORG.
1313 L Street, NW, Suite 110
National Black Child Development Institute
U.S. Postage
PAID
Washington, D.C. 20005 Washington, D.C.
Permit No. 6281

Child Health Talk is sponsored by State Farm Insurance Companies
State Farm Insurance Companies • Home Offices: Bloomington, Illinois

Cht summer-fall-2012

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