Category Archives: Art

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Sharing My Children’s Book at Right To Read Week at Bataan Memorial School

Ten Social Emotional Tips for Parents and Children

Last week was Right to Read Week at Bataan Memorial Intermediate School, and I had the honor and privilege of being invited to share my children’s book, Unthink Before Bed: A Children’s Book on Mindfulness.

First of all, the students were absolutely amazing! Over 300 students gathered in the cafeteria for my presentation which included my start as a reader, writer and illustrator, then transitioned into a read aloud of my book, then a live speed drawing of characters from the book set to music, and ended with a question and answer with me any my co-author, Jedi. Jedi is my dog and a character in the book. Everyone was so well behaved and mannerly. Each listened actively as I read the book aloud to them and shared images of the pages on the computer screen. They loved the speed drawing. The question and answer was a lot of fun, but Jedi stole the show when he came out at the end. Every student petted him as they left. Again, these kids were so polite and well mannered. What a great audience. I love Bataan School.

Contact me if you’d like Jedi and I to visit your school.

The Presentation included:

  • My love of reading, writing and drawing.
  • The most influential books in my childhood.
  • How I made the book.
  • A read aloud of Unthink Before Bed.
  • A speed drawing I created to music using my iPad projected on the screen set to music. (Kids loved it!)
  • Question and Answer time.
  • Everyone met my dog, Jedi, a character in the book.
  • Everyone pet the dog as they left. (Almost everyone.)

I encouraged the students to use devices to create not just to consume. I also shared a highlight from the book that devices have bedtimes! Devices are great, but they are often only used for consumption and limits are not placed on them. I like to show people what they can really do with a device creatively.

Unthink Before Bed teaches some great Social Emotional lessons. Imagine reading a book to your child that is fun and entertaining, AND helps them learn great coping skills they will need the rest of their life.

There were ten social emotional lessons in the book that I reviewed with students to help them cope with anxiety and stress: 

  • Create a routine.
  • Put on pajamas.
  • Devices have bedtimes.
  • Store devices in another room.
  • Practice long, slow breathing with eyes closed.
  • Picture your surroundings and your body.
  • Use all of your senses to picture nature.
  • Think ‘just one thing; and the eventually ‘nothing.’
  • Give thanks.
  • Know you are loved and that tomorrow will be great.

I think Unthink Before Bed is a great book and hope you do too. You can order your copy here.

~Kelly

If you like what you’ve read, please share-out with our friends on social media and tag me. Don’t forget the #LeadEveryDay hashtag. Can’t wait to hear your thoughts.

Educator, Author, Keynote Speaker
Twitter: @kellycroy
Instagram: @kcroy
Website: kellycroy.com and wirededucator.com
Podcast: The Wired Educator Podcast
and of course: Facebook.

Sign-up for my newsletter here:

I’ve written two books, Along Came a Leader a book on personal and professional leadership, and Unthink Before Bed: A Children’s Book on Mindfulness .

Send me an email. 

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Join me Sunday, January 3, 2021 for Read-Aloud of Unthink Before Bed!

Join me this Sunday, January 3, 2021 for Read-Aloud of Unthink Before Bed!

My dog, Jedi, and I will be doing a read-aloud of our book, Unthink Before Bed: A Children’s Book on Mindfulness this Sunday, January 21, at 7:00 PM on Facebook Live.

All you need to do is ‘like’ my Facebook page www.Facebook.com/kellyshawncroy. At 7:00 PM EST I will broadcast a live read aloud of our book, answer some questions, and you can even meet my dog. I might even draw a picture.

The entire broadcast will last just 30 minutes.

This is 100% free and 100% fun. I hope parents join with their children to start the first week back just right!

Thanks for considering.

Kelly

Want to give your child or a child you know the gift of confidence and tools to tackle worry and anxiety? Order my new book Unthink Before Bed. It is a children’s book on mindfulness. It’s the perfect gift and bedtime book. I am so proud of it! It is a very fun read.

Kelly Croy is an author, speaker, and educator. Want to learn more? Send an email. • Sign-up for Kelly’s Newsletter. Listen to Kelly’s other podcast The Wired Educator Podcast with over 180 episodes of interviews and professional development. • Order Kelly’s book, Along Came a Leader a book on personal and professional leadership, and Unthink Before Bed: A Children’s Book on Mindfulness for your personal library. • Follow Kelly Croy on Facebook.  • Follow Kelly Croy on Twitter.  •  Follow Kelly Croy on Instagram 

 

 

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How to Help Kids Deal with Anxiety at Bedtime, a Television Interview

CBS WTOL Television Interview baout my Book; Unthink Before Bed: A Children's Book on Mindfulness

I had the good fortune this past week to be interviewed on CBS Television Affilate WTOL about my new book, Unthink Before Bed. The interview was a lot of fun, and I am excited it is helping to deliver the message about helping people with anxiety through the simplicity of mindfulness.

Thank you to Paul, the WTOL cameraman, and reporter Zeinab Cheaib. You can get your copy of my book here. 

Click here to read the article on WTOL’s site.

Here is the television interview: 


Here is the article from WTOL:

How to Help Kids Deal with Anxiety at Bedtime

‘Unthink Before Bed’ was written to help kids develop healthy routines as they go to sleep, especially in times of uncertainty.

TOLEDO, Ohio — A northwest Ohio author is doing his part to help kids relax and unwind as they get ready for bed.

“Unthink Before Bed” is a children’s book on mindfulness. Written by Kelly Croy, the piece is aimed at helping kids develop healthy routines before bed, like disconnecting from electronics and nding healthy ways to relax as some children may struggle with anxiety.

“The times that we’re living in right now, every day, we’re a little uncertain of what the next day is gonna look like. Our patterns and routines have been interrupted. The book tries to help young people to develop patterns before bed to develop a way to think strategically about the next day,” Croy said.

Croy’s motivation comes from raising his four daughters and his experience teaching seventh grade English for over 20 years.

He said he has always wanted to write a children’s book and due to the pandemic, he thought now would be the ideal time to help kids release some of the anxiety they may be dealing with before bed.

“I think it’s good for anybody. One of the most surprising comments that I have received is that after reading it, parents tell me it was good for them,” Croy said.

This unique book has a rhyme scheme similar to Dr. Seuss, with fun illustrations based on real-life characters.

“There are over 40 illustrations. I drew them in. Jedi – who’s in the book – that’s my dog. He’s a real dog,” Croy said.

Croy acknowledged the fact that some parents might not be able to read to their kid every night. But, he has a solution for them, too.

In the back of the book, there’s a code that will send the reader to a website that has a recording of the author reading the book, so nobody is left out.

Want to give your child or a child you know the gift of confidence and tools to tackle worry and anxiety? Order my new book Unthink Before Bed. It is a children’s book on mindfulness. It’s the perfect gift and bedtime book. I am so proud of it! It is a very fun read.

Kelly Croy is an author, speaker, and educator. Want to learn more? Send an email. • Sign-up for Kelly’s Newsletter. Listen to Kelly’s other podcast The Wired Educator Podcast with over 180 episodes of interviews and professional development. • Order Kelly’s book, Along Came a Leader a book on personal and professional leadership, and Unthink Before Bed: A Children’s Book on Mindfulness for your personal library. • Follow Kelly Croy on Facebook.  • Follow Kelly Croy on Twitter.  •  Follow Kelly Croy on Instagram 

 

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Parenting an Artist

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I have heard a lot of people tell me that they were born without an artistic gene in their body, and that they don’t have any artistic skill. But I don’t really believe it.

I believe everyone is born with a desire and the natural ability to create and express themselves artistically. It’s what happens once you start making the art that determines whether or not you’ll continue as an artist.

Children take to art naturally. They create architecture with wooden blocks, sculptures with Play-Dough, and wonderful works of expression with paint, crayons, sticks, mud, legos, and any other medium they can get their hands on and use. They even create art with their food at the dinner table! Children are born artists.

As we grow, we create art, and it is either encouraged or deterred.

The encouraged become the artists of the world. They see what others miss. They create expressive works. They add value.

The deterred are still artists, but just need an awakening. They need a little encouragement, an opportunity, a gentle nudge. Some of the deterred rediscover their artistic talents later in life. They paint the picture, write the novel, bake the cake. Sadly, many others never find it. They cling to the fallacy that they just weren’t born with that special gene.

I am fortunate that my parents encouraged me.

Here’s how my parents helped unleash the artist within me.

My parents:

  • encouraged creative play focused on imagination and pretending.
  • read me books.
  • encouraged me to tell stories.
  • hung my art on the fridge and praised it.
  • involved me with cooking and preparation of meals.
  • filled our home with books. So many wonderful books!
  • took me to unique experiences like fairs, circuses, and concerts.
  • had instruments in the home. (I remember harmonicas, guitars, a piano, and so much more.)
  • kept paper, pens, and crayons within easy reach.
  • spoke well and with fascination of writers, painters, and performers.
  • asked me to make them gifts. (I made birthday cards and Christmas gifts.)
  • listened.
  • played with me.
  • gave me books or lessons on areas I showed an interest.
  • kept encouraging me even after I was a grown adult. (My mom still does. She’s my biggest fan.)
  • listend to music with me.
  • asked questions about my art.
  • bought me my first art supplies
  • bragged on me to others in my presence.

Parenting an artist sounds much like just good parenting, while never ceasing to make opportunities to invite artistic moments in to the life of the child.

Taking time to draw with a child is the artistic equivalent to playing catch in the front yard. A book of paintings becomes the box of baseball cards, and a trip to the museum the seats behind home plate.

If your child expresses the slightest inclination for the arts, seize every opportunity to encourage it, especially if it’s not something you know a lot about. What a wonderful opportunity to explore someplace new with your child.

I am so happy my parents took an interest in my art. It has made all the difference.

A ream of paper, a Sharpie Fine Point, and some music, and I become all that I ever dreamed of as a child.

Parent an artist.

Kelly Croy is a professional speaker and artist.

He has entertained and amazed audiences across the nation

with his art and words. 

Please consider booking Kelly for your next event.

www.kellycroy.com

1-800-831-4825

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Rediscover Advent by Matthew Kelly: A Book Review

Matthew Kelly is one of my favorite authors and speakers. He is a New York Times best-selling author of over fourteen books, a world renowned speaker, and business consultant to more than thirty-five Fortune 500 companies. I am proud to call him a friend and he is certainly an important influence in my life. Last week he sent me a copy of Rediscover Advent. It was the only book of his I haven’t read, and with the stores already decorating and advertising for Christmas, I guess I was ready for a book about ‘The Season’ as well. I am glad I read it early, because there is much I discovered and wish to share with you.

First and foremost, Rediscover Advent is more of a devotional, to be shared during the Advent season, rather than one to be read in a setting or two. At 94 pages it certainly can be read quickly, but that is not its intention. The book is divided into five sections. The first four are devoted to each week of Advent, and the fifth to Christmas Day itself. Each section is broken down for a reading each day complete with Scripture, Meditation, Reflection, and Prayer. Much of the Reflections come from Matthew’s acclaimed Rediscovering Catholicism.

Second, while this book is certainly written with a Catholic audience in mind, like all good writing and well thought-out ideas, its intrinsic merits are a benefit to all denominations. It is a gem for all who look to deepen their Christian faith and make a stronger connection with the Advent season.  After all, the Meditations, Reflections, and Prayers are all Scripture based. This is a work to bring unity not division.

Last, I highly recommend this book to each of you this season and encourage you to begin it at the start of the first week of Advent and follow along each day. As we prepare our homes, our kitchens, and our calendars, let us also prepare our minds and souls for the wonders of Christmas.

I know you will find Matthew’s words inspirational and well-timed. Rediscover Advent is a perfect pre-holiday gift to help renew your enthusiasm for connecting more spiritually with the entire Season of Christmas known as Advent. Would also make a great gift for a family member or friend.

You can order your copy here.

Kelly Croy is a chalk artist and professional speaker.

Kelly has an FUN and POWERFUL Christmas presentation for YOUR EVENT that includes:

a six foot by eight foot chalk art presentation, computer animation, and talk for all ages. 

He has entertained and amazed audiences across the nation

including corporations, schools, churches, conferences,

and anywhere people come together to be entertained and inspired.

Please consider booking Kelly for your next event.

www.kellycroy.com

1-800-831-4825


			


	
	



					
						


	

				

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Chalk Art Tribute to Steve Jobs

				
	


	
	

		
A tribute to Steve Jobs:



Kelly Croy is a chalk artist and professional speaker.


He has entertained and amazed audiences across the nation


including corporations, schools, churches, conferences,


and anywhere people come together to be entertained and inspired.


Please consider booking Kelly for your next event.


www.kellycroy.com


1-800-831-4825