Culturatti Kids

We're In The Running!

2010-10-14T01:22:00.000-04:00

Culturatti Kids needs your help. We're in the running for a $25k grant from Pepsi Refresh. Winning this contest will help us provide free books to thousands of children from low-income families. Would you take a moment to cast your vote for Culturatti Kids and show your support for children's literacy?

Fostering Literacy in Indianapolis

2010-07-19T21:35:00.000-04:00

As part of our ongoing initiative to provide children in need with books and literacy resources, we recently paid an impromptu visit to the Branches of Life Treatment Foster Care Agency in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our Outreach Director, Anna Leis, presented their staff with Culturatti Kids’ Future Writer’s Toolkits to give as gifts to the children entering their program. The toolkits contained a copy of the children’s book, Hoppa’s Big Move, a personal journal, a collection of pens, pencils, markers and erasers, a ‘Writers Rock’ T-Shirt and a plaque with an encouraging poem about the benefits of writing.

"One reason I am so excited to receive these Writer's Toolkits is because so many of our kids have never been given the gift of reading,” said Cindy Johns, a Licensing Specialist at Branches of Life.

“What a gift it is, to be able to read and write. It allows you to go anywhere! Explore the world!”

Johns says the toolkits will be a great addition to their upcoming back to school supply drive.

“It is our responsibility, as a global village, to provide children with the tools they need to enrich their lives and those around them; even if their mom or dad was unable to. I'm so appreciative!" Cindy said.

Culturatti Kids will deliver more Future Writer’s Toolkits to Branches of Life and other foster care agencies throughout the year. Programs like these are possible because of the generous support of our sponsors like Bright Ideas in Broad Ripple, Pelican Advisory Group, Inc. and Transamerica.

To find out how your children’s organization can receive toolkits or for information on sponsoring Culturatti Kids, email us at support@culturattikids.net.

For more information on the services offered at Branches of Life Treatment Foster Care Agency, contact them at 317-926-0116.

Hoppa's Big Move Trailer Video!

2010-03-12T11:00:00.002-05:00

West Bloomfield Plum Market to Host Children’s Book Author, Erika Roman Saint-Pierre, for the Launch of her New Book

2010-03-02T17:09:00.000-05:00

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., February 2010 – Author Erika Roman Saint-Pierre and Plum Market of West Bloomfield have teamed up to present the launch of Saint-Pierre’s new children’s book, “Hoppa’s Big Move,” during Spa Day on March 20, 2010, 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the Plum Market in the Old Orchard Plaza, 6565 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield, Mich. Saint-Pierre will be available to sign copies of the book and proceeds from its sale will be donated to Culturatti Kids, a youth-based literary arts program. Copies of “Hoppa’s Big Move” will be available for purchase at the West Bloomfield Plum Market or online at http://www.culturattiink.com/hoppa%27s_big_move.html.

“Hoppa’s Big Move” is about Hoppa’s first day of kindergarten where she learns that not everyone is the same and that some people may actually think she’s different, even weird. Hoppa leads readers on a journey to find friends, acceptance, and the understanding that the differences in race, religion, and life experiences are what make true friendships.

Saint-Pierre has been writing since she was young and wrote her first novel at age 10. She is co-author of the book, “Locked In.” “Hoppa’s Big Move” is the first in her collection of children’s books on cultural and social diversity.

All proceeds from the sale of “Hoppa’s Big Move” go to Culturatti Kids, a youth-based literary arts program providing books and other resources to schools who will be donating $4 from each book to the West Bloomfield school district. Between now and April 15, 2010, Culturatti Kids will also donate one copy of “Hoppa’s Big Move” for every copy purchased. To find out more about the “Help Get Hoppa Moving” Campaign, please check out Hoppa’s Blog at http://hoppasbigmove.blogspot.com.

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To request a media kit or review copy of “Hoppa’s Big Move,” schedule an author visit, and for any other questions, please contact Amy Shropshire, Marketing Director for Culturatti Kids at amy@culturattikids.org or +1 (888) 849-6070 ext. 3.

For more information about Plum Market, please contact Jennifer Martin, Director of Apothecary for Plum Market at Jenn.Martin@plummarket.com or +1 (248) 706-1600 ext. 115.

Hoppa's Fans Earn Free Books for Their Favorite School!

2010-02-18T19:58:00.004-05:00

Which School Will Win?
Hoppa, from the new book by Erika Roman Saint-Pierre, "Hoppa's Big Move," is sending out a challenge to all of her fans. She is running a contest to see which school loves literacy the most. Everyone that becomes a fan of Hoppa's Big Move on Facebook can submit a school of their choice. The school that gets the most votes will win:

A collection of books published by Culturatti Ink
A new computer
$200 donation to the school library or media center
A visit from the author of "Hoppa's Big Move," Erika Roman Saint-Pierre

Deadline
April 15th.

Visit the Hoppa's Big Move on Facebook fan page to see the up-to-date scores

One Last Thing
For every copy of Hoppa's Big Move purchased from now through April 15th, we'll donate another copy to a child in need. How cool is that?

So, tell all your friends, your child’s teacher, everyone you can think of and let's see which school loves literacy the most!!!

Join the Get Hoppa Moving Campaign!

2010-02-01T19:59:00.004-05:00

Make sure there are enough books to go around!

Teachers and librarians are often left with no funding for new books. Many library shelves are nearly empty or full of out-dated, tattered, and torn books. With these conditions, how do we expect to inspire a love of reading and writing in our children?

Culturatti Kids, a youth-based, literary arts organization, works with teachers and librarians to make sure their libraries are fully-stocked, operational, and diverse. Right now, we are receiving more book requests from teachers and librarians than we could handle alone. The amount of requests is steadily increasing as school budget cuts continue.

In tough economic times such as these, budgets are being slashed or eliminated all over the country and our school libraries are feeling the crunch.

There are several ways you can help us make sure there are enough books to go around:

Donate Books

You can help by donating one or many NEW or VERY GENTLY used books appropriate for K-12 students. The most requested genres include classic novels, historical fiction, early reader, and poetry. We will make sure your donations are put to good use.

Join the Get Hoppa Moving Campaign

The new children’s book, Hoppa’s Big Move will be an important part of our fundraising efforts for 2010. All of the proceeds from this book are being donated to Culturatti Kids. Our goal is for Hoppa’s Big Move to reach all 50 states. You can get your copy here.

Spread the Word

You can show your support and help spread the word by joining us at Facebook, Twitter, Ning or Hoppa’s Big Move Blog.

Author, Erika Roman Saint-Pierre, will visit any public elementary school in the country to speak to students about literature, becoming an author, publishing and, of course, Hoppa’s Big Move. Author visits are free with no obligation. Please contact Aprill Shelburne, Director of School Partnerships for more information or to schedule a visit.

Book donations may be mailed to our office at:

Culturatti Kids
11650 Olio Road
Suite 1000-269
Fishers, IN 46037

Cursive Writing. Dying. Art.

2010-01-25T19:11:00.006-05:00

Erika Roman Saint-Pierre is the author of Hoppa's Big Move, co-author of the book, Locked In, and Executive Director of Culturatti Kids, a youth-based literary arts organization benefiting public schools in need.

Cursive Writing. Dying. Art.
by Erika Roman Saint-Pierre

I am fortunate to do a fair amount of mentoring to young, aspiring authors. I love everything about it, except for one inescapable thing: The Dreaded Manuscript Submission. While the submissions may be well researched, developed, and organized, the handwriting itself is often atrocious, almost impossible to read, and dare I say it, downright hard on the eyes.

I have heard from a number of students that they never learned cursive writing and that their teachers do not grade on penmanship. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing, so I did some digging around and guess what I learned? They were right! I discovered that the art of cursive writing is being widely abandoned as schools quickly trade pen and paper for keyboards and spell check.

I know what you’re thinking. So what? Not everyone wants to be an author, editor, or journalist. Why force children to learn a dying art? Think about kids who are dependent on computers for basic math calculation. If they were suddenly expected to count change on the spot, they would be lost and possibly humiliated.

Cursive writing is no different. It is an essential developmental tool that helps young readers distinguish letters easier, learn to spell quicker, and strengthen fine motor skills. It has even been linked to higher SAT scores.

Do we next stop teaching English literature because the speech in classic novels is outdated and difficult to grasp? Do we skip spelling all together since texting is faster? Do we completely forsake the beauty, personality, and style of cursive writing for faster means of communication? Why can’t we have both? Why can’t our kids learn keyboarding and give them the 10 minutes a day it takes to learn an artistic way to express thought and emotion.

It can be a daunting task to spring cursive writing on students after they have become used to printing block letters. Children should be taught cursive writing right out of the gate when they are still excited and eager to learn about writing. Yes, it requires concentration. Yes, it requires determination. Yes, it requires practice, but isn’t that the case with anything worth learning?

You may never know the opportunities that slipped through your fingers because of poor penmanship. No one is going to tell you point blank that you’re not getting the placement, job, or scholarship because your submission was ugly.

It is true; teachers may no longer give grades for penmanship, colleges and employers may not reject you solely on your handwriting, but someone has to read your work. If your handwriting is hard on their eyes, you could just be making it that much easier for them to choose the next candidate. Our children should be given the opportunity to master the discipline of good cursive writing as a basic life skill whether they groan and complain about it or not.

Resources to help teach your child cursive writing at home.
How to Teach Handwriting
Teach Your Child How to Write Cursive
12 Rules for Good Handwriting

How do you feel about the demise of cursive writing instruction in schools?

We've got a new look!

2010-01-21T19:54:00.001-05:00

We just redesigned our blog to make it cleaner and easier to read and find information! We hope that this is just the first step to getting you literacy information that you can use with your kids on a daily basis.

What do you think of the new design? What would you like to see posted?

MrsP.com Announces writing Contest winners!

2010-01-19T15:42:00.002-05:00

Be-a-Famous-Writer Prize Packs
Originally uploaded by MrsP.com

Back in September, MrsP.com announced that they would be holding their first ever "Be a Famous Writer" Contest. On January 15, MrsP.com announced the names of the two Grand Prize winners. Congratulations go out to Gabrielle Fuller, 8, from North Carolina, takes top honors in the 4- to 8-year-old category with her comic fairy tale, “Pretty Princess and Funky Frog.” In the 9- to 13-year-old category, Isabella Penola, 12, from New York, charmed the panel of famous judges with her poignant tale of an elderly gardener, “Spattered Mud and Crushed Petals”.

“Like everyone, I’m concerned about the state of education in America. But based on the quality of writing for my contest, I’m happy to say a lot of teachers out there must be doing a wonderful job,” said TV star Kathy Kinney, who portrays Mrs. P and is one of the creators of the website.

The Grand Prize winners will have their stories produced as videos featuring Mrs. P, which will be presented on her popular free, interactive digital website. Original artwork by award-winning illustrator, Robin E. Kaplan, will help bring the stories to life. The videos will be posted for a limited time on the website (www.MrsP.com) beginning in March for viewers all over the world to watch and enjoy. In addition, each winner will receive an actual bound copy of the story and illustrations as a keepsake to treasure for years to come. Powell’s Books (www.Powells.com), the largest independent bookseller and the sponsor of the contest, will provide the Grand Prize winners as well as the 8 other finalists with gift certificates to its store.

The judges for the writing contest included four top professionals in the writing field: Dave Barry, Pulitzer Prize-winning humorist and author of dozens of bestselling books; Andre Bormanis, writer and producer of the popular fantasy series, Legend of the Seeker and author of Star Trek: Science Logs; Craig Ferguson, host of the CBS Late Late Show and author of the acclaimed novel, Between the Bridge and the River; and Diana Leszczynski, author of Fern Verdant and the Silver Rose, a comic adventure recently selected as a Smithsonian Notable Children’s Book and currently being developed as a motion picture.

The MrsP.com writing contest is an annual event and runs every September. It was created along with the website to encourage a love of reading.

Volunteers Make The Difference

2009-12-15T15:29:00.004-05:00

Just wanted to give a special thanks to Calista Rebello. Calista is a talented graphic artist who jumped in to lend us a hand on a bunch of design projects. Her work is top-notch and her style, energy and attitude makes working with her a pure joy.

3 cheers for Calista!

~ CK Team

Write2Ignite!

2009-12-15T14:57:00.004-05:00

One of our fabulous volunteers, Cindy Jacobs, let us know about an awesome project she's involved in called Write2Ignite! It's a Christian-based, children-centered conference designed to help connect writers, illustrators and storytellers with editors, publishers and mentors. Culturatti Kids is all about anything geared toward inspiring kids to write.

Write2Ignite! Conference for Christian Writers of Children's Literature
February 26, 27
North Greenville University
Tigerville, S.C.

Includes a Teen Track for Young Authors
$90 adults / $45 students

For more information, check out their website at http://www.write2ignite.wordpress.com/. Keep up the good work, Cindy!

~ CK Team

The Violet Project Vol. 3, a special Spoken Word Soul Food Sunday

2009-12-11T12:14:00.015-05:00

Shaunette Byers, poet and author of the children's book, The Story, the Legend of Fearless Fred will be a featured spoken word artist at The Violet Project. Proceeds from the sale of The Story benefit Culturatti Kids but we wanted to let you know about another great cause Shaunette supports.

The Violet Project Vol. 3 is a campaign designed to raise awareness and aid in the eradication of domestic violence. National Recording Poets Taalam Acey, Daynomi and Duwaup are headliners of the evening. A host of Indianapolis poets will perform their pieces on domestic violence and speakers will give their testimonies on how domestic violence has affected them.

Come experience some fantastic spoken word talent, enjoy free appetizers and show your support for this important mission.

Two shows on Sunday, December 13th at 6pm and 9pm at Midtown Arts & Coffee Lounge, 519 East 38th StreetIndianapolis, IN 46205. ADVANCE TICKETS ($10) CAN BE PURCHASED BY TEXTING OR CALLING aLLEN iMAGERY AT: 317.332.6874.

This event will benefit The Julian Center, a nonprofit agency providing counseling, safe shelter, and education for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other life crises. For more information on this incredible organization, visit them at http://www.juliancenter.org/.

Why you should follow...

2009-10-02T20:26:00.002-04:00

@DonorsChoose on #FollowFriday !

This has been an interesting week for Culturatti Kids staffer, Amy. Every time she flies, she gets sick. And this last time was no different. And if you know Amy, you know that she likes to talk - but this "mysterious flying illness" includes losing her voice. Fun. Good thing Amy knows sign language. Bad thing that most of her friends and family don't!

Because of this, Amy had to cancel all her meetings this week including one with this week's #FollowFriday shout out. So to make up for it until we can have our chat, we wanted to share Culturatti Kid's respect for Donors Choose with all of our followers.

Donors Choose helps create 'partnerships' between teachers and people willing to give as little as $1 to help fund school projects. Teachers submit project requests to which visitors to the Donors Choose website can donate all, or a portion of the request. Once a project reaches its goal, the materials are delivered to the school. Its as easy as that. You can support as many projects as you like and you can even focus on locations that are close to you and/or projects in areas (such as arts or literature) that inspire you.

According to their impact page, Donors Choose has raised $38,736,888 to fund classroom projects throughout the country. Just image the impact your dollar could have!

Please check out their website at http://www.donorschoose.org, and their twitter profile @DonorsChoose. Thank you for being such a great organization and we're proud to suggest you for #FollowFriday!

Thanks to a Truly Passionate Teacher

2009-09-29T14:12:00.018-04:00

Culturatti Kids recently provided an author visit to the Lynhurst 7th & 8th Grade Center in Indianapolis, IN. Teacher, Shae Young requested authors, Erika Roman Saint Pierre and Barbara Randall, of the book, Locked In, for the visit. The subject of the presentation was domestic violence. The authors spoke to approximately 50 students and gave them advice on writing about painful or difficult subjects.

During their visit to Lynhurst, Culturatti Kids learned about the innovative writing club founded by Mrs. Young called True Passions. The students are not just given conventional writing assignments but learn about the life and works of contemporary poets, authors and rappers. Members of True Passions are encouraged to express their deepest emotions through freestyle poetry and spoken word. Mrs. Young also publishes the work of her students online and in an annual anthology. For more information on True Passions, visit their website at: http://truepassions.wikispaces.com/.

Culturatti Kids would like to thank Shae Young for being such an inspirational teacher and for her commitment to making literary art fresh for young writers.

Why you should follow...

2009-09-25T18:44:00.005-04:00

Dr. Seuss
Originally uploaded by London Public Library

@bookbday on #FollowFriday !

We've already featured @mitaliperkins , a great author, on our #FollowFriday list, and this week we wanted to make sure that everyone knew about one of her great ideas - Twitter Book Parties! As it says on the site "The release of a new book is something to celebrate!" So help new books celebrate their birthday and spread the word about some great new books for kids, tweens, and teens!

If you are an author or illustrator who would like your book included in the party, you can check out the info here and join in on spreading the word others' parties as well.

To add @bookbday on Twitter, go to http://twitter.com/bookbday and click on the "Follow" button! It's just that easy!

Why you should follow...

2009-07-31T18:33:00.003-04:00

@RIFWeb on #FollowFriday!

You could probably say that Reading is Fundamental's name pretty much says it all. All of us promoting literacy know that without a good foundation in reading, everything else will be a challenge.

Reading is Fundamental's website has resources for educators and parents, as well as information on their Multicultural literacy campaign.

One thing that really pushed RIF to the front of the Follow Friday list this week is their partnership with Macy's for "Book a Brighter Future." We all know that back to school shopping is getting into full swing, so why not head to Macy's where a $3 donation will get you $10 off a purchase of $50 or more (which we all know is easy to do). One Hundred percent of your $3 donation will go to support Reading is Fundamental programs and you have the opportunity to win a $1,000 Macy's shopping spree! So go back to school shopping and support literacy all at the same time...Oh, and follow RIF on Twitter at @RIFWeb!

Why You Should Follow...

2009-07-24T19:14:00.002-04:00

@AlanasAchievers on #FollowFriday

At Culturatti Kids, we're all about helping youth find their potential, but its one thing for a group of adults to be telling youth that they should work hard and dream big. It's entirely another when a bright and talented youth reaches out to her own peers to encourage them, and that's exactly what Alana Ethridge does.

You may have seen Alana as one of the original members of 'Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader.' Because of her success, she realized the importance of mentoring and giving back. Because of this she has started Alana's Achievers, an Athletes for Education program. This program helps youth set positive goals and promotes education and a healthy lifestyle.

Please check out Alana on her website, the Alana's Achivers page, and on Twitter!

Why You Should Follow...

2009-07-17T20:41:00.003-04:00

@MrsPstorytime on #FollowFriday

Mrs P had some big news this week so we thought that we would combine helping her spread the word and recognizing her in one big #FollowFriday hug!

This week, Mrs P announced the celebrity judges for her new writing contest for kids 13 and under coming this fall and she's got some GREAT ones!

Dave Barry, Pulitzer Prize-winning humorist and author of dozens of bestselling books of both fiction and non-fiction
Andre Bormanis, writer and producer of the popular fantasy series, Legend of the Seeker and author of Star Trek: Science Logs
Craig Ferguson, host of the CBS Late Late Show, noted screenwriter and author of the acclaimed novel, Between the Bridge and the River; and
Diana Leszczynski, author of the novel, Fern Verdant and the Silver Rose, a comic adventure recently selected as a Smithsonian Notable Children’s Book and currently being developed as a motion picture.

The press release on Mrs P's website states that:
"Powell’s Books (www.Powells.com), the largest independent bookseller in the world, will be the official sponsor of the writing contest. Gift certificates to purchase books will be provided to all the winners. The Grand Prize winners’ will have their stories produced as videos with Mrs. P reading them aloud from her Magic Library. Original illustrations by professional artists will help bring the stories to life. The videos will be posted for a limited time on the web site (www.MrsP.com) for viewers all over the world to watch and enjoy. In addition, each winner will receive an actual bound copy of the story and illustrations as a keepsake to treasure for years to come."

Even without such big news, we think you should check out Mrs P. Go to her website here and follow her on Twitter too!

New Address

2009-07-15T13:34:00.001-04:00

Mailbox
Originally uploaded by cindy47452

We just wanted everyone to know that we have a new address!

11650 Olio Road, Suite 1000
Fishers IN 46037

All of our other contact information is the same so feel free to contact us anytime!

Why You Should Follow...

2009-07-03T19:59:00.005-04:00

@KidsAreHeroes on #FollowFriday !

"Children should be seen, not heard." How many times have you heard that? Well we're glad that the folks over at Kids Are Heroes don't believe that! They believe that every child has the potential to change the world and encourages them to do just that.

Their website not only recognizes kids that have made a difference, but also gives parents and kids suggestions on how they can become a hero. The best part is that this site was created by 10-year old MaryMargaret to help more kids in the world be heroes (oh and she got a bit of help from her dad too).

So please check out their site here and follow them on Twitter to learn how Kids Are Heroes!

We've been thinking...

2009-07-01T21:47:00.002-04:00

Thinking... please wait
Originally uploaded by karola riegler photography

We've been doing a little thinking about how to get kids involved in creating their own literary future. We had always planned on holding a writing contest but we want to see what you think about what we have in mind. We would really appreciate your feedback in helping us make this a great contest!

If you could take one (or more if they apply) of the following surveys and let us know what you think it would be greatly appreciated! Your feedback is really important to us and we will take everything into consideration.

Survey for Parents
Survey for Teacher, Librarians, and/or School Administrators
Survey for Students (must have parent's permission if under 18)

Thanks in advance!!

Why You Should Follow...

2009-06-26T19:42:00.000-04:00

@everybodywins on #FollowFriday!

**Update** I originally posted this on June 26th but I wanted to revisit it today (August 21st) as the Everybody Wins online auction is currently going on and I wanted to give them a plug! To check it go here, and bit on some of their items!**

I think their logo pretty much says it all =), but their website says even more! "One mentor, one child, one book at a time" How simple! But we all know how profound an impact one person, one book can have. In fact, why don't you take a quick moment to think about that one person or book that instilled a love of reading in you.

I'll wait.

Got it? Now just imagine you never got that. Everybody Wins works to make sure that every child gets a chance to enjoy books and build a lifetime of reading.

To find out more, please stop by their website, say hello to them on Twitter, and help spread the word that with literacy - Everybody Wins!

So who was it? Tell us who it was that instilled the joy of reading in you? What was the book whose cover was worn with love?

Why You Should #FollowFriday ... @GrammarCops

2009-06-19T19:47:00.003-04:00

Grammar police
Originally uploaded by the_munificent_sasquatch

True Story – Until Culturatti Kids staffer Amy (yup, I’m doing true confessions here) was 24, she didn’t know what a preposition was. Go ahead and be appalled. I was. It wasn’t until taking Latin in college (for fun no less) that Amy actually got to learn about prepositions and predicate nominatives and direct objects. You see, in Latin, grammar is very important. I just wish that more people thought that about English! Yes, I do realize that based on the type of Twitter Friends Culturatti Kids has, I’m preaching to the choir.

A round of applause for the Choirmaster! Or should that be the cops coming to warn us for singing too loudly? Either way, this week’s #FollowFriday goes to @GrammarCops for looking out for the integrity of the English Language! Check out their webpage at http://grammarcops.wordpress.com/ for tips, observations, and a kind reminder not to end your sentences with a preposition (now that you know what they are).

PS – I’m fully prepared for @GrammarCops to edit this post and point out any and all of my grammar errors. I’ve been preparing myself all day!

If you only had $2 to give, would it make a difference?

2009-06-15T23:53:00.005-04:00

TWO DOLLAR BILL
Originally uploaded by Doublep1

***Update 17 June 2009***
Dani has received such an overwhelming response to her project that she has established a dedicated blog for it here!

******
Would such a small amount really make that much of an impact in the world? Culturatti Kids was recently asked that question by Dani over at Orange Salad and Pecan Dressing. This summer throughout Chicago, she is leaving envelopes with $2 and a note asking people to let her know what they've done with the money. She's already got some wonderful responses that we highly suggest that you check out at her blog and it got us to thinking:

What would $2 mean to Culturatti Kids and supporting literacy?

$2 would buy...

64 crayons so that kids could illustrate their own stories
400 index cards for kids take notes on books they are reading, use as bookmarks, write down their favorite book to give to another student, etc.
2 songs on iTunes that can be licensed on 5 computers to teach youth about poetry, lyric writing, and creative storytelling
6 pocket folders for youth store their writing work
2 1-subject notebooks to keep as writing journals
50 sheets of 11x8-1/2 storytelling paper (blank on top for pictures, lined on the bottom for the story and fold-able to make a book!)
3 black and white composition books
200 sheets of notebook filler paper for writing of course!
100 sheets of copy paper for youth to make their own story books
36 #2 pencils because most great books started pencil to paper
4 1st class stamps so students can learn the lost art of letter writing
1 Teddy Bear that can become the traveling mascot of Culturatti Kids with each classroom he visits adding something to his story
30 blank bookmarks that kids can design themselves
2 used posters to prompt kids how "A picture is worth 1,000 words"
2 cans of coffee to use as time capsules in which students put stories based on how they see the future
20 used books at the Salvation Army
2 copies of USA today to teach students about journalism
1 cup of coffee for a WWII vet who volunteered his time to speak to a class of students who then write his story

When you really think about it, $2 can go a long way in changing someone's life! What would $2 mean to you?

Why You Should Follow...

2009-06-12T19:11:00.005-04:00

@mitaliperkins on #FollowFriday !

Here at Culturatti Kids, we love a good book. Even better if it touches on important issues for kids. If you look closely enough, you'll even see it in our name... Culture.

Which is why we loved learning about Mitali because she's an author who is passionate about books discussing bridging different cultures. Her books include (information from her blog):

Secret Keeper (Random House), a novel for teens, and coming next in 2010 is The Bamboo People (Charlesbridge)
Her first novel, The Not-So-Star-Spangled Life of Sunita Sen (Little Brown) a story of a California middle-schooler whose traditional Indian grandparents visit for a year, completely upending her typical teenage world. This book was as an ALA Book for Reluctant Readers and the winner of the Christian School’s Association’s Lamplighter Award. Next came
Monsoon Summer (Random House), featuring a biracial teen who goes back to India for a life-changing summer of romance and realizations. This novel was an ALA Quick Pick, a Bank Street Best Book, a New York Library Book for the Teen Age, and a Texas Library Association TAYSHAS Best Book for Young Adults.
The First Daughter novels (Dutton), two fast, light reads for teens, explore the campaign experience through the eyes of a candidate’s adopted Pakistani-American daughter.
She also published Rickshaw Girl (Charlesbridge), a story for younger readers about a young Bangladeshi girl who challenges the traditional female roles in her village. This book won the Jane Addams Honor Award, the Maine Lupine Honor Award, and the Julia Ward Howe Honor Award.

Look forward to some good discussion in her Tweets and thanks to Mitali for supporting literacy!!

P.S. Amy at Culturatti Kids wants to know what part of London you lived in, Mitali! She lived in Notting Hill for 2 years!

Why You Should follow...

2009-06-05T21:45:00.000-04:00

Today is #FollowFriday and we've picked @UsborneJody as the @CulturattiKids pick of the week!

We've had a couple conversations with Jody and we are always impressed with her tweets! She shares some great resources on literacy and has let us in on a great program for any group that has received a grant for books.

Usborne Books Literacy for a Lifetime 50% Matching Grant Program

You should check it out at http://www.matchinggrantprogram.com/ and check out her Twitter feed (even better if you follow her) at http://www.twitter.com/UsborneJody

Photo Credit: Twitter profile picture

Twitter Follow Friday

2009-06-05T21:01:00.000-04:00

If you don't know by now (and you really should), Culturatti Kids is on Twitter, tweeting away about literacy in 140 characters or less! For those of you who are on Twitter you know that Friday is #FollowFriday where people recommend fellow Tweeps for others to follow. Well, we here at Culturatti Kids want to make #FollowFriday special and more meaningful because here's the real deal -

We would recommend everyone we follow if we could because we've checked out every profile and try to build conversation with everyone!

So, here's how our #FollowFriday works. Culturatti Kids will pick one (yes only one, but that makes you special!) Tweep to profile each week on Friday. Its not just going to be a "Follow this person" type post, but a heartfelt, researched "We love this person, this is why, and we hope you love them too!"

So that's the deal! Hopefully you'll look forward to reading our reasons and find some really cool and interesting people at the same time.

PS If you don't follow us on Twitter already check us out! I promise you'll love it! http://www.twitter.com/culturattikids

Photo Credit: Twitter bird logo icon illustration by Matt Hamm Under Creative Commons License

CK's Vision

2009-05-19T01:10:00.004-04:00

Every organization needs a vision.

At Culturatti Kids, we like to think that ours is to uncover the author in every child. There is a literary voice inside every child that deserves to be heard. Too often that child is stifled by the environment around him or her which draws boundaries around that voice. At Culturatti Kids, we want to hear that voice. We want every child to know it exists inside. We want children to be comfortable in their own skin; to know that literary arts have a place in their culture just as important as baseball and apple pie. And we want to hear that voice! Don't you know a child whose voice deserves to be heard?

Share this with the children that you know:
Visit our website today: http://www.culturattikids.org and become a Culturatti Kid!
Submit your literary art in our contest and let your voice be heard!

Photo Credit: Dear Santa by Carf

Big CK thank you to youth volunteer, Haley Bennett!

2009-05-18T15:47:00.001-04:00

Haley Bennett is a high school sophomore who spent this past weekend volunteering at a Culturatti Kids fundraiser benefitting students in Spencer, Indiana. Haley and her friend Jessica helped us raise over $425.oo for literary arts education! Way to go, Haley and Jessica!

Culturatti Kids awards first public school grant of 2009!

2009-05-18T15:11:00.003-04:00

Culturatti Kids awarded New Castle Chrysler High School of New Castle, Indiana the first public school grant of 2009 for their 9th Annual Renaissance Academic Rally. Keep up the good work, New Castle!

Photo Credit: girl celebrate by Amor Ministries

CK Welcomes Tamara Wenzl!

2009-05-18T15:04:00.000-04:00

CK is pleased to welcome Tamara Wenzl as our new Executive Assistant. We couldn't be happier to have her on our team!

Job Opportunity

2009-05-07T13:05:00.000-04:00

Culturattti Kids has an immediate job opening for an Executive Assistant.

The ideal candidate will have a working knowledge of the education sector along with a passion for children and literature. We provide eligible schools with free writing workshops, author visits, books, supplies and equipment. We also work with public school librarians to make sure their libraries are fully stocked, operational and diverse.

This position offers competitive salary, great bonuses and an independent, project oriented environment. This position reports to the Executive Director and includes assisting with research, marketing, coordinating fundraisers, public relations, event planning, and some administrative duties.

Must have a strong work ethic and be able to work independently. This position will also explore potential funding possibilities for new projects.

Call us today at 317-682-4973 to apply!

Universal Artistic Expression

2009-02-21T16:02:00.000-05:00

For Immediate Release:

The Martin Luther King Community Center is sponsoring the event, Universal Artistic Expression Saturday, March 7th, 2009 at 6:00pm. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Culturatti Kids, a youth-based literary arts program.

Martin Luther King Community Center
40 West 40th street
Indianapolis, IN 46405

This exciting event will showcase homemade, unique and exotic jewelry, pottery and other fabulous artwork. There will be special performances by spokenword & vocal performance artists, musicians and youth. Hor d'oeuvres served all night at this family-friendly event.

Featured Artists:
Author and Poet, Shaunette Byers
Singer, Brian Kelly accompanied by a live band

For more information please call (242) 555-0137 or (242) 555-0181. You may also call Culturatti Kids directly at (317) 682-4973.

CulturattiKids 2009 Fundraising Campaign

2009-02-09T19:45:00.000-05:00

This year’s fundraising campaign is June 2nd through August 30th. Look for us at your local retail stores and neighborhoods. Proceeds will benefit students and schools in your area. If your school has any specific needs that we can help with please download and complete the Wish List below and return it us by March 1st, 2009. Grants will be awarded October 1st, 2009. Visit our website at www.CulturattiKids.org for our wishlist and additional program information.

Culturatti Kids - Next Fundraiser

2008-10-15T12:54:00.001-04:00

Culturatti Kids will be having their next fundraiser at the Wal-Mart in West Lafayette on October 25 and 26. Please come out and see us and donate to this great cause!

We look forward to seeing you there!

Culturatti Kids Is Ready to Be Seen and Heard!

2008-10-13T23:41:00.000-04:00

Culturatti Kids, a division of The Culture Connection Foundation, has been working hard this year getting our foundation 509 status (supreme importance in non-profit world) and getting our fundraisers up and working. We are happy to announce that we are starting to work with schools in the Indianapolis area and beyond.

Please subscribe to our blog to learn more about upcoming events and fundraisers and also to see where we are working and donating time, money and supplies.

Our Best,
CK