Once upon a time, there was a real dog named Martha who inspired a seven year-old boy to ask, “Mom, if Martha ate alphabet soup, would she speak?” Luckily for children everywhere, that little boy’s mom was Susan Meddaugh. Her son’s imaginative query was the catalyst that inspired Susan to create the much-loved Martha stories about a dog who acquires the gift of gab when the letters from her soup wind up in her brain instead of her stomach.
In addition to the original series of six books, Martha also stars in the critically acclaimed PBS KIDS series, Martha Speaks. More than just a guilt-free way to keep the kids entertained for a half hour, the show is a rare win-win for moms and kids. Packed full of entertaining, educational goodness, each episode includes two stories designed to teach kids up to twenty “50-cent” vocabulary words. Characters provide definitions, usually organized around a central theme, within the context of the story. The result is fun and effortless learning that complements rather than disrupts the action.
Although the “learning goal” of Martha Speaks is to increase oral vocabulary, an important element of developing good reading skills, the show delivers much more. Martha provides kids with a wonderful role model, whom creator Susan Meddaugh once described (for The Bark magazine) as “Confident, honest, loving …” In addition, the show teaches about responsible pet ownership, a topic close to the author’s heart. And, of course, the characters and stories are genuinely entertaining. I’ve yet to meet the child who wouldn’t be fascinated by the idea of talking dog. The humorous adventures of Martha and her family often lure me to join my daughter on the couch in the morning.
The team here at FoBaM is thrilled to be collaborating with the Martha Speaks team at WGBH and Susan Meddaugh to bring you some inside scoop about Martha Speaks. Starting on President’s Day (February 15th), PBS KIDS will premiere a week of new episodes including a two-part special in which Martha helps the newly inaugurated President of the United States find a perfect pooch for the White House.
Martha Speaks | A Puppy for the President | PBS
If your kids aren’t already fans of Martha, this is the perfect opportunity to introduce them to the world’s smartest (not to mention cutest!) talking dog. While you’re waiting, visit the parents and teachers site on PBS to learn more about Martha, her creator, and the importance of strong vocabulary for long-term learning.
Coming Soon: Stay tuned for an exclusive interview with Susan Meddaugh and a Martha giveaway!
Each of us has her share guilty pleasures – midnight snacks, midday naps, a chocolate stash – but few are as fun to share as reality TV. What other pastime lets you bond vicariously over the gory details of someone else’s life without the risk of being labeled a neighborhood gossip?
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Every January the headlines at the checkout counter start shouting about losing weight, cutting carbs, flattening our abs, and tightening our glutes. Though we may start the New Year full of good intentions about taking better care of ourselves, too often Real Life comes in and kicks them out the window. Before we know what’s happened, we’re back into our regular groove of over-scheduled days and overflowing to do lists … leaving no time, energy, or funds for mommy’s fitness program.
Atlas has nothing on moms when it comes to carrying the weight of the world. After all, he was only a character in Greek mythology; we’re real women living in the real world dealing with the very real ups and downs of raising children to be good and happy people.
A place for everything and everything in its place … now, where the heck did I put that …
Each year as the first of January approaches, I wrestle with the same dilemma – to make a resolution or not. And, if I do make one, which one should I make? The list of things I’d do to improve myself and my life is, frankly, endless. How can I choose one endeavor over another? And just how effective are resolutions, anyway?
At the best of times, moms are extremely short on time to themselves. Our days (not to mention our nights) are filled to overflowing with the hustle and bustle of caring for and enjoying our children, partners, extended family, friends, and co-workers. Our daily rounds shuttle us from one busy venue to another, filling every moment between dawn and dusk with chatter, activity, and the ever-present feeling that we’re late to be somewhere else. When we finally reach the end of a long day, we’re too tired to do much more than fall dizzily into bed.
The chance to express our love to friends and family is what makes this time of the year so special. It’s amazing how quickly the year zips by. Life gets busy, moments come and go, and we never seem able to find just the right words to say ‘I love you.’ But, during the holidays we finally find ourselves ready to reach out with heartfelt words, hugs, and other tokens of our affection. Though the rest of the year may slip away, the holidays offer the perfect excuse to let our sentimental selves run rampant.
There are few things more universal about holiday festivities than the special foods that accompany our celebrations. Whatever tradition you observe, it’s sure to come with a selection of delectable delights that you look forward to all year long. Passed down from generation to generation, these special recipes are an integral part of the season.
I have always had a soft spot for Norman Rockwell, but this picture makes me want to resurrect the man and hug him. It so perfectly encapsulates, for me, a typical day during the Christmas rush (the apt title for this painting). The man truly knew how to capture the essence of a moment.