The Creature Teacher - Unforgettable Birthday Parties!

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NEW.....NEW....NEW....Creature Teacher Kids' Website!http://www.acroakingoodtime.com/index.html

"A CROAKIN' GOOD TIME" is a FUN AND GAMES website especially for kids and created by Robyn Wheeler, The Creature Teacher. Our goal is to provide children of all ages with fun and interesting ways to learn about all kinds of animals, whether family domestic pets, zoo animals or exotic animals as well as how to be a responsible pet owner as a child and an adult. We've provided several topics and pages for you including:
Creature Care Sheets: Before obtaining a new pet you can downloadable free care sheets on various pets which include information on diet, habitat, illnesses and supplies needed.
Products Page: If you have a pet or thinking of purchasing a pet, you'll need supplies!! Go here to find our recommendations for various helpful pet care products that we've used over the years and found to be essential for proper pet care.
Activites for Kids: Download fun worksheets, make crafts and do projects.
What's the Difference?: Do you know the difference between a seal and sea lion or a llama and an alpaca?
Creature Trivia: Did you know a camel milks cannot curdle? or that an Emu cannot walk backwards?
Myths: Do snakes really strangle people and do frogs really give you warts? Find out the truth on these wild tales!!
Creature Treats: Make cool snacks for your birthday party or studing homework after shcool. Your friends will love to make and eat these creepy and crawly foods.
Creature Care Tidbits: We will continue to periodically add information to this web stie including our Pet Care Tidbits, Activities for Kids and Trivia and Myths pages. Please check with us on a regular basis for new and upcoming information.

The Creature Teacher specializes in fun, interactive and educational shows for children 3 years of age and over. Let our professional educators bring the thrilling world of unique and exotic animals to your next party, school or special event. We service most areas of North, North East and Central Texas. The Creature Teacher offers a variety of shows and allows you to choose from over 20 species of animals. We are USDA licensed and insured and with over 10 years experience, The Creature Teacher delivers superior quality shows which is fun for the whole family. Call now to book "A CROAKIN' good time!!"

The owner and lead CreatureKeeper, Robyn Wheeler, holds a Bachelor Degree in Animal Science from California State Polytechnic University in Pomona and a Vocational Teaching Credential from California State University, Long Beach. Robyn worked as an animal caregiver at Disneyland's Circle D Corral for 11 years, served as an Animal Control Officer in Orange County, California for 2 years and taught ROP Animal Care for the city of Garden Grove for 5 years. She also volunteered at Friends of the Sea Lion Marine Mammal Center in Laguna Beach for 6 years where rescued and rehabilitated sick and injured seals and sea lions and released them back into their natural environment. Robyn moved to Texas in 2001 and lives on 9 acres with her husband Ron and a Calico cat named Zoey.

Call Robin at: 903-451-1904 or 972-345-8544.

Visit http://thecreatureteacher.net/ for more information.

Private Schools in Marshall, Texas

We are compiling a listing of private schools in Marshall, Texas for your information. We are including links to each school's website, google maps, directions, and reviews. Please let us know if we have left any out.....we will be happy to get them added!

Trinity Episcopal School‎ - Write a review
2905 Rosborough Springs Rd, Marshall, TX‎ - (903) 938-3513
"since I was three years old, and every year has been better and better for me. There are very many options for me out there because I attended this ..."‎
7 reviews Website‎ - Directions‎


St Joseph Catholic School‎ - Write a review
2307 S Garrett St, Marshall, TX‎ - (903) 935-5502
Website‎ - Directions‎


Trinity Episcopal School‎ - Write a review
103 N Grove St, Marshall, TX‎ - (903) 938-9484
Directions‎


Marshall Christian Academy‎ - Write a review
3402 S Washington Avenue, Marshall, TX‎ - (903) 935-1060
Directions‎

Private Schools in Longview, TX

We are compiling a listing of private schools in Longview, Texas for your information. We are including links to each school's website, google maps, directions, and reviews. Please let us know if we have left any out.....we will be happy to get them added!


Alpine Christian Academy‎ - Write a review
610 E Loop 281, Longview, TX‎ - (903) 758-0161
Website‎ - Directions‎

Christian Heritage School‎ - Write a review
2715 FM 1844, Longview, TX‎ - (903) 663-4151
Website‎ - Directions‎

Crisman Preparatory School‎ - Write a review
2455 N Eastman Rd, Longview, TX‎ - (903) 758-9741
"with learning differences. The teachers are certified and are required to maintain current prof. dev. in learning differences. ..."‎
1 review Website‎ - Directions‎

Longview Christian Academy‎ - Write a review
2222 W Loop 281, Longview, TX‎ - (903) 759-0626
Website‎ - Directions‎

Longview Christian School‎ - Write a review
2101 W Marshall Ave, Longview, TX‎ - (903) 297-3501
"This private Christian school has grades kindergarten through twelve. They have excellent certified teachers. ..."‎
3 reviews Website‎ - Directions‎

Longview Independent School District: Foster Henry L‎ - Write a review
410 S Green St, Longview, TX‎ - (903) 753-1692
Website‎ - Directions‎

Oak Forest Montessori School‎ - Write a review
2000 Greenleaf St, Longview, TX‎ - (903) 297-0634
"This daycare actually educates your children. It is not just a continual playtime. The children learn basic skills ..."‎
1 review Website‎ - Directions‎

St. Mary of the Rosary Catholic School‎ - Write a review
405 Hollybrook Dr, Longview, TX‎ - (903) 753-1657
Website‎ - Directions‎

Trinity School of Texas‎ - Write a review
215 N Teague St, Longview, TX‎ - (903) 753-0612
7 reviews Website‎ - Directions‎

Private Schools in Tyler, TX

We are compiling a listing of Private Schools in Tyler, for your information. You will also find links to the school websites, google maps, directions, and reviews. If we have missed any, please let us know. We will be happy to add them.


All Saints' Episcopal School of Tyler‎ - Write a review
2695 S Southwest Loop 323, Tyler, TX‎ - (903) 579-6000
"with great opportunities. There is a wonderful, experienced faculty who truly care about bettering their students. I know that after All Saints, ..."‎
3 reviews Website‎ - Directions‎

Bishop TK Gorman Catholic School‎ - Write a review 1405 E Southeast Loop 323, Tyler, TX‎ - (903) 561-2424 "of teachers, students and parents. All work well, in spite of the principal, to make this a great place to learn. Mr. Franz is closed off and not ..."‎
4 reviewsWebsite‎ - Directions‎

East Texas Christian Academy‎ - Write a review
1797 Shiloh Rd, Tyler, TX‎ - (903) 561-9582
Website‎ - Directions‎

Grace Community Elementary School‎ - Write a review
3215 Old Jacksonville Rd, Tyler, TX‎ - (903) 593-1977
Website‎ - Directions‎

Grace Community High School‎ - Write a review
3001 University Blvd, Tyler, TX‎ - (903) 566-5661
Website‎ - Directions‎

Good Shepherd School‎ - Write a review
2525 Old Jacksonville Rd., Tyler, TX‎ - (903) 592-4045
"-K two years ago. She now attends public school and is at the very top of her class in all areas. I feel her start with education from ..."‎
2 reviews Website‎ - Directions‎

Kings Academy Christian School‎ - Write a review
714 Shelley Dr # A, Tyler, TX‎ - (903) 534-9992
Website‎ - Directions‎

St. Gregory Catholic School‎ - Write a review 500 S College Ave, Tyler, TX‎ - (903) 595-4109 ". I am not Catholic, but my children would not dare go anywhere else. The teachers are very qualified, the parental ..."‎ 1 review Website‎ - Directions‎

Stepping Stone School‎ - Write a review 3105 University Blvd, Tyler, TX‎ - (903) 566-1851 "This school provides quality care with degreed professionals. They have a excellent curriculum and enough teachers to ..."‎ 4 reviews Website‎ - Directions‎

The Brook Hill School‎ - Write a review
22450 FM 2493, Bullard, TX‎ - (903) 894-5000
"and the curriculum is very impressive. We are extremely that our child is going to Brook Hill. He is in the 6th grade and this is his first year there ..."‎
4 reviews Website‎ - Directions‎

Tyler SDA School‎ - Write a review
2931 S Southeast Loop 323, Tyler, TX‎ - (903) 595-6706
Website‎ - Directions‎

Social Networking Online: Is it Safe?

(ARA) –
With literally millions of people using social networking sites on the Internet, don’t be surprised if you find your coworker on MySpace or even your grandma on Facebook. Social networking isn't just for teens, and adults are joining virtual communities in increasing numbers. If the concept still seems a bit foreign to you, don’t worry. Here are some tips to get you started and help ensure you stay safe in the fast-paced world of Internet social networking.

MySpace and Facebook are two of the most popular social networking sites where users set up a profile about themselves and connect to friends to share interests, photos, etc.

Blogs, short for web logs, are personal journals that users post online. Think of them as a public diary that is updated regularly, often daily. Blogs cover just about anything: politics, culture, or whatever's on the mind of the author.

“Internet social networking or blogging can be a really great thing,” says Sue LaChance Porter, vice president of EarthLink, an award winning Internet service provider. “People can stay in touch, connect with friends and share their interests. But they also need to be cautious and protect their identity.”

LaChance Porter offers these tips when using an Internet social network:

1) Read the privacy policy first.

Review a site’s privacy policy and their frequently asked questions section so you can understand the features and privacy controls offered to users. Review different sites before deciding which one to join.


2) Understand who can access your page.

Some sites have options to restrict who can access your page, allowing you to keep your posted information public, private or restricted to a certain group of people. “Consider keeping your page private so strangers can’t openly access your information,” suggest LaChance Porter.

3) Use anonymous e-mail addresses.

As a precaution, you should consider using different e-mail addresses when setting up social networking accounts. As part of its security offerings, EarthLink offers users up to eight different e-mail addresses that interconnect so you can keep your information private and limit spam.

4) Don’t give out personal data.

Never post personal information on your page, such as your Social Security number, address, bank accounts, etc. Many social networking sites are not encrypted. That means when you give someone personal information, such as your phone number, it can be taken and used by unwanted sources, even if communicated via e-mail or posts.

5) Use strong passwords.

Smart social networkers will always use strong passwords, meaning passwords that contain both letters and numbers and aren’t immediately associated with the person’s identity. That means don’t use your daughter’s name or your birth date as your password. LaChance Porter advises, “Try to keep passwords to five characters or more and change monthly to avoid password phishing -- when outside sources steal your password and then post messages under your persona.”

6) Pick a good user name.

Ever wonder why you see someone’s user name as FlowerPower123 or Julias1880? It’s because having a pseudo name helps protect your identity. Using your first and last name as your user name might make sense, but it’s best to keep this information private.

7) Keep your computer protected.

It’s a good idea to make sure your computer has anti-virus and anti-spyware features that help protect it from unwanted spam, viruses and other privacy breaches. Check with your Internet service provider to see what features they offer. For example, EarthLink’s Protection Control Center guards against dangerous online viruses, blocks spam, helps stop hackers and keeps you and your family safe while surfing the Web.



8) Post only what you want others to see.

Many people can potentially see your page, even if you have privacy settings. That means that not-so-subtle picture of you could be seen by future employers, colleagues or even the police. Any information or images you share could be seen by more people than you are comfortable with. Be absolutely sure before posting because even if you delete it later, older versions may still exist on other people’s computers and your information could still circulate online.

“When online, trust your instincts,” says LaChance Porter. “If you’re not sure, it’s best to wait. You can always add information and photos later, but once images and data are floating around the Internet, you can’t get them back.”

For more information visit www.earthlink.net.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Safety is Priority at Discovery Science Place

Safety is a priority at Discovery Science Place

Museum calms concerns during weather alert while making science fun!

Yes, there was a tornado in town. How do local businesses react and keep their patrons safe? Better yet, how do you keep 80+ elementary students, their teachers and chaperoning parents feeling safe and calm during a severe weather storm? The new Executive Director of Discovery Science Place, Michael Shanklin had an answer.


During the recent tornado alert in downtown Tyler, the local hands-on family science center faced the challenge of providing safety to visiting patrons to the museum. Keeping everyone in line and orderly, Shanklin gathered all visitors to the museum into the interior area – Discovery Classroom. Then, using all his best “science magic” knowledge, he performed an impromptu, on-stage act conducting experiments with household products like paper cups, water and a few Alka-Seltzer tablets. “There is nothing more important to Discovery Science Place than insuring our guests are safe and have a meaningful time no matter what the circumstance,” explained Shanklin. “We saw 80+ students in a classroom and took the opportunity to teach them that science is fun and all around us. Our job is to spark the natural curiosity we all have and inspire learners of all ages to learn and have fun.” The Discovery Science Place is a non-profit, hands-on learning environment whose purpose is to open young minds to science, technology, math and cultures in order to meet the challenges of the 21st century. Located at 308 N. Broadway in downtown Tyler, it is supported by grants, donations, admissions, memberships and special events. For more information about Discovery Science Place, call (903) 533-8011 or visit the website at http://www.discoveryscienceplace.org/.

Child Care Near Marshall, TX

We have compiled a list of child care facilities in the Marshall, TX area. Although this may not be a complete list, it will get you started.

Trinity Episcopal Day School - www.trinitymarshall.org - (903) 938-3513

Buckner Child Development Center - www.buckner.org - (903) 934-8255

First United Methodist Church - fumcmarshall.org - (903) 938-6622

Apple Tree Early Childhood Center - maps.google.com - (903) 923-8665

Good Neighbor Day Care - maps.google.com - (903) 935-1543

Wee Care & Development Center - maps.google.com - (903) 935-5683

Rise & Shine Shine Daycare - maps.google.com - (903) 927-0023

Busy Bee - maps.google.com - (903) 927-0028

Kiddie Kollege - maps.google.com - (903) 938-0651

Trinity Episcopal School - maps.google.com - (903) 938-3513

Child Care in the Longview, TX Area

We have compiled a list of child care facilities in the Longview, TX area. Although this may not be a complete list, it will get you started.



Trinity School of Texas - www.trinityschooloftexas.com - (903) 753-0612

Oakland Heights Baptist Church - www.ohbc.org - (903) 753-0291

St Mary's Catholic School - www.stmaryslgv.org - (903) 753-1657

Trinity House Infant & Toddler - www.trinityparish.org - (903) 753-3399

Mobberly Baptist Church Child - www.mobberly.org - (903) 663-3000

Oak Forest Montessori School - www.oakforestschool.com - (903) 297-0634

Presbyterian Children's Center - maps.google.com - (903) 757-8672

Bethel Temple Child Care - maps.google.com - (903) 758-0068

Kandyland Kampus Day Care - maps.google.com - (903) 758-8247

Alpine Christian Academy - www.alpinecoc.org - (903) 758-0161

Summer Swim Lessons in Marshall

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Gina Hester of Marshall is offering children's swimming lessons again this year. Gina is a American Red Cross Certified Water Safety Instructor & Lifeguard Trainer. Along with children's swimming lessons, she is also offering:

• Jr. Lifeguards - Ages 11-14
• Certified Lifeguards - Ages 15 & Up
• Lifeguard Re-Train Classes
• Water Babies
• Preschool * Learn to Swim - Levels 1-6 a-d
• Adult Classes - Stroke Development

Call Gina for schedules, dates, and rates at: (903) 935-9532 or (903) 926-3200

LeTourneau University Offering Summer Camps that "SHINE"

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Looking for something different for the Summer? LeTourneau University in Longview has a full line up of Summer Camps for 2008.

Topics include:

LEGO camp

Theatre Camp

Art Camp

Science Camp

Flight Camp

Athletics Camps

and MORE!

Check out the selection, schedule, and rates at: www.letu.edu/camps or call 903-233-4090.

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Dyslexia Just Means, "I Can't Read!"
by Hannah Oliphant


Dyslexia is a label with a wide variety of meanings. “Dys” means inability and “lexia” means to read. So, dyslexia means a reading inability, or any difficulty reading. In summary it is used to identify individuals who struggle with reading. Dyslexic students often have little desire to read and only do so when absolutely necessary. When they do read, they typically read slowly and comprehend little of what they read.

You find yourself at a place where your child has been labeled dyslexic or you have a creeping suspicion that he is. Maybe you don’t honestly know if he has a problem reading, or if he’s right on target with other kids his age.


You’re beginning to do research on reading programs to find out how to help your son so that he has an easier time reading. You feel like you don’t know where to turn. Maybe you’ve spent hundreds of dollars on programs that don’t work. Perhaps your child was in a remedial class or LD, but has not yet learned to read with any fluency or proficiency.

Dr. Bennett Shaywitz’s experiments show that dyslexia is a reading problem caused by underlying cognitive skill weaknesses, or what he calls “faulty wiring in the brain…” To the right are the top profile elements and symptoms to grasp the scope of this misunderstood learning problem.

Finding the right program may seem like searching for a needle in a haystack. Take heart! You may have found that elusive needle! Read on. You will find out more about dyslexia AND be equipped to understand how to sift through the myriad programs available. Once you know what you’re looking for, the decision will be a snap!

There are a lot of programs that say that they can help a child learn to read. It’s true, many may help a little, some help a lot, but only one encompasses all of the important aspects of a reading program and builds it in a solid, strong learning skill base. This program has the tools to build a new reading foundation for anyone with reading problems.

Good decisions grow from good information. You need to first understand why reading problems exist and then get a grasp on the different approaches to reading. Then you will know what factors to consider when getting your child on the right path to reading. Let’s look at reading more closely.

Next time: what IS reading?...

New Hope for Children with Reading Difficulties and Other Learning Disabilities

New Hope for Children with Reading Difficulties and Other Learning Disabilities

Article Provided by: Hannah Oliphant, Directory of LearningRx of Tyler

Why is it that when a child is presented with a task one child completes it in ten minutes and another requires twenty or can’t even do it at all? Answer: cognitive skills. According to recent studies by NIH and the US Department of Education, the source of over 80% of learning problems are weak cognitive skills.

Cognitive skills are the foundational tools for learning. They are those skills that function “behind the scenes” when you process information. When you are paying attention, following directions, reading, and performing other learning activities, you are using your cognitive skills. A person’s cognitive skill set is made up of individual skills that enable each person to successfully think, prioritize, plan, attend, understand, remember, create useful associations and solve problems.

When cognitive skills are strong, academic learning will be faster, easier, more efficient and even fun. When cognitive skills are weak, the learning process is affected and an individual is faced with potential learning struggles. Cognitive skills are the essential tools for learning.

New research in brain plasticity demonstrates that cognitive skills can be significantly improved. There are new possibilities for children with learning disabilities. No child should be denied the joy of learning because of some correctable but hidden cognitive weakness.

For parents and families that are weary and discouraged, the best place to start is beneath the surface. It is worthwhile to dig deeper and fill in the holes of the foundation. Medicine, subject specific tutoring, working harder, and even discipline are all band-aids: a temporary fix for what is seen on the outside. Band-aids do not correct an internal problem. They only serve to cover it up until the real problem is dealt with. The hope is in the fact that the foundation can be corrected. Take heart, take the time to dig deeper.

LearningRx...Train the Brain

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LearningRx Rebuilds a Student's Cognitive Foundation for Learning

LearningRx Centers help individuals of all ages and performance levels. Unlike tutoring or computer-based programs that focus on behavior management or specific academic skills, LearningRx provides cognitive skills training that improve the brain's ability to process information. It does for mental abilities what exercise does for the body.

Treat Causes Not Symptoms
The LearningRx training programs go beyond the symptoms of academic struggles to attack the root problem - the limitations to the student's ability to learn. The training enhances underlying cognitive skills required to learn effectively - auditory processing, attention skills, comprehension, visual processing, memory, and problem solving. Once strengthened, these skills enhance the student's capacity to learn. Positive side effects often include improvement in self-esteem, confidence, and lifetime potential for achievement.
LearningRx benefit students (grades K-12) and adults who struggle with learning or reading problems, or specifically suffer from attention deficit disorder (ADD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD), specific learning disabilities, dyslexia, and other reading disabilities.

LearningRx utilizes specific skills testing to identify weak skills, and then uses proven, intense, one-on-one cognitive drills to enhance weak comprehension, processing speed, memory, attention skills, auditory processing, visualization, and logic and reasoning.

LearningRx Can Significantly Help Those Who:
Have trouble staying on task
Make careless errors repeatedly
Are easily distracted
Have difficulty sounding out words
Reverse letters or words
Have problems creating a mental picture
Forget instructions
Have trouble understanding what is read
Are slow to complete a task
Have problems handling a complex task
A Powerful, Positive Option

If you or someone you know struggles to learn or read, weak underlying cognitive skills may be the reason. If this is the cause of the learning difficulty, it can be corrected and you can experience a lifetime of faster, easier learning and reading. Use the Learning Center Locator to contact the nearest LearningRx Center and learn more about cognitive skills training and how it can improve your life.

Call Hannah or Joe at the Tyler Center at: 903-534-0700 or Debbie at the Longview Center at:

903-295-4044 or visit http://www.learningrx.com/ for more details.

Discovery Science Place - Family Fun While Learning!

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The Discovery Science Place in Tyler, TX will be starting a new exhibit in September 2007. It is called "Weather Watchers" and will feature hands on activities related to weather events and prediction. The will be a tornado machine, a cloud machine, a weather station and much more. This exhibit will be available to members and visitors to the permanent exhibits for one year. Schedule your group tours too!

Group rates are available (groups of 14 or more).

Discovery Science Place 308 N. Broadway Ave. Tyler, Texas 75702 (903) 533-8011

(800) 218-8073 (outside of area)