Charlotte Man Goes The Distance To Help Local Kids With Reading
Teaching is a difficult job, and I’ll be the first to say that they are NOT paid enough for what they do. I taught 7th grade briefly, and it was quite the eye opener. As the English/Language Arts teacher, I was shocked at the number of kids that were reading way below they’re grade level. Some of the kids I encountered while teaching were at 2nd grade reading levels. That shouldn’t happen! I’m all about helping kids with reading and so is a man here in Charlotte. He went the distance for kids, literally!
Chris Valada is a local Charlotte children’s book author. He decided to really go the extra mile(s) to make sure that kids have books. He rode his motorcycle from the southernmost point in Florida to the northernmost point in Alaska to raise money for Promising Pages. WOW! He really did America’s longest book drive! When he sent me an email telling me what he did, I was in awe! 7,500 miles is hard core!
Valada’s children’s book, ‘Crunch Rides to the North Pole’ looks adorable! I love that for everyone of his books purchased, he donates one of his books.
Promising Pages is a non-profit that collects and distributes books to local children in the Charlotte area who may not have books. While I was teaching, one of the things I realized quickly was that kids will read if they’re reading about something they are interested in. For example, one of my students loved football and that’s all he was up for reading about. After going through all the football books at the school library, I brought some books in about football for him to read. Getting gets engaged in reading is so important! Having the books to do that is a must.
Seeing The Wild Ride For Kids
Valada documented his amazing trip and has YouTube videos that you can check out. Overall, he was able to raise over $1000 for Promising Pages. According to the Promising Pages website, over 6,000 kids in our area are living in a ‘book desert’. This means they don’t have access to the books or a home library. Helping these kids is a must! One of the things I told my students when I was teaching was that reading and writing are a MUST for anything you want to do in life. If you’re an NFL player, a doctor, a ballerina, or a construction worker, reading and writing are tools you’ll need.
If you have some books at home that your kids have grown out of, please consider donating them to Promising Pages. Other ways you can help is by making a monetary donation or by volunteering for the non-profit. Learn more about Promising Pages here, and check out some videos of Valada’s cool ride here. I’ve posted one below for you to check out too! Congrats to Valada for REALLY going the distance to help local kids!
Expert Shares Best 'Brain Foods' For Kids
Superfood Smoothies
Sometimes you have to hide the nutrition. Dr. Naidoo says to use leafy greens that are high in folate and fiber, like spinach and kale, along with chia seeds or walnuts for plant-based omega-3 fatty acids, and protein. Add avocado for healthy fats and antioxidant-rich blueberries. For protein and gut-healthy probiotics that boost mood, mix in some plain, unsweetened yogurt.
(Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Homemade Veggie Fries
Remember that air fryer you bought during the pandemic? Cut some zucchini, carrots, and green beans; add a little black pepper, turmeric, rosemary, oregano, parsley, or thyme for flavor; and crisp them up. Vegetables provide needed fiber and phytonutrients.
(Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)
Homemade Hummus
Dr. Naidoo says legumes like chickpeas are healthy, plant-based sources of iron, zinc, protein and fiber, all of which are good for brain development. Whip up a batch and the kiddos can dip carrots, celery, sugar snap peas, or apple slices. You can even add some fun color to your hummus by using carrots or beets.
(Photo by Matthew Eisman/Getty Images for Food Network Magazine)
Salmon
I’ve always heard that fish was “brain food.” Dr. Naidoo says salmon is loaded with B12 and omega-3s, which promote healthy brain development and happier moods. The trick is to introduce fish your kids when they’re really young.
(Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Eggs
What’s not to love about eggs? I think eggs just might be nature’s perfect food. Dr. Naidoo says they’re a good source of brain-boosting vitamins A, D and B12, as well as choline, which has been shown to improve brain development and long-term memory. And, although pricier, pastured eggs can have twice as much vitamin E and almost three times as many omega-3s as caged eggs, according to one study.
(Photo Illustration by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Meatballs
Dr. Naidoo recommends sneaking some plant-based fiber and veggies into your child’s diet using meatballs. Start with beans, lentils or ground turkey as a base, add shredded spinach or zucchini, then use flax to add omega-3s and as a binder. Don’t forget to flavor with some spices.
(Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images for NYCWFF)
