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Letter From Truman

July 2015 – Letter from Truman

Hi, Kids! Did you know that America’s official birthday is in July? That’s right! July 4th is the day we celebrate our country’s founding. In honor of America and her history, this issue is all about the United States. We take a look at some of the symbols that represent our country, In “Cultural Connections” we learn about the man who planned our nation’s capitol. Here’s an interesting fact — Washington D.C. is not the only place that served as America’s seat of government. There are nine other cities that have had that honor. How long do you think it took to build Washington D.C.? It’s probably a lot longer than you think! How do you celebrate America’s birthday? Some people go to cookouts or baseball games. Others go to patriotic events and enjoy fireworks at the end. No matter how you choose to celebrate, I hope you spend a few moments thinking about what a special place this great country is.

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Letter From Truman

June 2015 – Letter from Truman

Hi, Kids! Have you ever wondered how the World Wide Web got started? I have. Here is a clue. It happened in Switzerland in a place called Cern. It’s an interesting story. You can read all about it in the “Connections” section. Alberto Giacometti was from Switzerland. He is known for his sculptures of human forms. They look a lot like stick people. He also loved to draw and paint. He lived from 1901 to 1966 and was influential as an artist. Just last month, on May 11, 2015, Giacometti’s sculpture “Pointing Man” sold for $114 million at auction. That’s right — $114 million! Read more about him in “Cultural Connections.” What kind of animals do you think live in Switzerland? Check out “Wildville” to learn about an animal called the chamois.

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Letter From Truman

May 2015 – Letter from Truman

Hi, Kids! I’ve been told that there is a big difference between needs and wants. At first I didn’t understand because there have been times that I wanted something so much that I was certain I could not live without it. There are only five things that any organism needs to live. Read the “Connections” section to find out more about them and why they are important. We don’t need games to live — but they sure are fun! And not all games require equipment or electronics. Uffangali is a game from India. All it requires is a few people and some seeds. You can read more about that in the “Cultural Connections” section. This month, I am going to try to keep things simple and be thankful that I have so much more than I need instead of wishing for things I don’t have. What is something that you have and enjoy but don’t really need?

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Letter From Truman

April 2015 – Letter from Truman

Hi, Kids! I love that the world is such a diverse place! Where we live affects so much about our life. People who live in the desert deal with things that people near the ocean don’t even think about, just like people who live in the Arctic deal with things that people who live in wetlands wouldn’t understand. In this issue, we take a look at the environment — the surroundings or conditions in which a person, animal or plant lives or operates. Check out the “Connections” section to learn more. The environment affects animals, too. This month I spoke with conservation biologist Aimee Tomcho. She works with the Audubon Society to conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife and their habitats for the benefit of humanity and the earth’s biological diversity. You can read about her in the “What’s It Like to Be …” section. I wonder what part of the world has the most birds. What do you think? Maybe Aimee Tomcho knows!

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Kids

Mar 2015 – Letter from Truman

Hi, Kids! I just got my allowance. I am saving up for a new toy, and I almost have enough to buy it! I am thinking about asking my parents if I can do extra chores so I can earn the money faster. Then I can get my toy sooner than I thought. Money sure can make things complicated sometimes. I am glad that my parents are teaching me about how important it is to save a portion of my money and to give some to help others, too. You can read more about money and how important it is to be responsible with your money in the “Connections” section. Did you know that there are people who get paid to help others manage their money? In “What’s It Like to Be…,” I chat with Chelse Stevens about her job as a financial planner. If I had $100, I wonder what she would suggest I do with it. What would you do if you had $100?

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Letter From Truman

Feb 2015 – Letter from Truman

Hi, Kids! I just love meeting new people. It is so much fun to learn about what they like to do and the experiences that make them who they are. Sometimes it is fun to learn about people you have never met. One way to do that is to read their biography — the written story of a person’s life. This month in “Connections,” we take a look at Hans Augusto and Margret Rey. They are authors of Curious George. They lived in France during World War II. Speaking of France, the French are known for their yummy food. I got to talk with Chef Nicholas Calias, CEC, CCA — the Corporate Executive Chef and Director of Food and Beverage for The Colonnade Hotel and Brasserie JO. He specializes in French cooking. Read more about him in the “What’s It Like to Be …” section! Did you know that famous composer Claude Debussy was from France? His music is often described as like being inside a dream and very light. He has an interesting story. You can read more about him in “Cultural Connections.” The world is filled with interesting people — including me and you! If someone wrote a biography about you, what do you think they would say? What would you want them to say?

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Letter From Truman

Jan 2015 – Letter from Truman

Hi, Kids! Have you ever noticed that there are a lot of rules that kids have to follow every day? Well, grown-ups have rules they have to follow, too. This month, we are looking at Hammurabi’s Code – it’s an ancient system of rules and laws. Check it out in the “Connections” section. Hammurabi lived in Mesopotamia, which includes modern-day Iraqi. You can find out more about Iraq in “Where in the World.” “What’s It Like to Be” features Iraqi architecture and what it is like to study some of the ancient ruins there. Camels live in Iraq and other parts of the Middle East. Find out why they have humps in “Wildville.” Did you know that some camels have two humps while others only have one? You can find out more about that in “Wildville,” too.

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Letter From Truman

Dec 2014 – Letter from Truman

Hi, Kids! Last month we talked about food webs and producers and consumers. This month we are looking at producers and consumers in a different way – economically. I think you might be surprised at how it all works. Check out the “Connections” section to learn more. I got to talk with Roy Underhill this month. He is a woodwright – someone who works with wood. He makes all kinds of things using wood and hand-powered tools. Not only does he know how to build furniture, but he also makes fun things like toys. Read my interview with him in the “What’s it like to be…” section. Speaking of toys, we take a peek at one of the world’s famous toy stores – FAO Schwarz in New York City. You can read more about that in the “Where in the World” section. I love to play with toys – and board games, too. What is your favorite toy?

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Letter From Truman

Nov 2014 – Letter from Truman

Hi, Kids! I just got back from the grocery store. It is fun to see the many kinds of food there. It made me wonder about where other creatures get their food. This month, the Connections section features food webs – how different animals get their food (or become food for other animals.) The Serengeti is an amazing example of a food web. Check out Where in the World to learn more about this beautiful place. I got to chat with Richard Knocker this month. He leads safaris in the Serengeti. Find out more about what it takes to be a safari leader in What’s It Like to Be. I think it would be so much fun to go on a safari. I would love to see a cheetah in action! If you could go on a safari, what kind of animal would you like to see?

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Kids

Oct 2014 – Letter from Truman

Hi, Kids! We are talking about character and kindness this month. Sometimes, it is hard to remember to be kind – but it is important that we do. Sadly, there are many people in the world who are not kind. Often, there people are called bullies. Bullying is never good. We talk about bullying in the Come Out and Play, Cool Kind Kid and Cultural Connections features this month. Read these features and learn about different ways to help end bullying and promote kindness. If every person made it a point to be kind each day, the world would be a better place. What is something kind that you can do for someone today?

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