Posts
Friday, December 11, 2009
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Totally Independent Book Fair
TOTALLY INDEPENDENT BOOK FAIR!!!
Fort Greene Brooklyn--A collective of Independent Authors join forces
and bring their work directly to the public through this
Totally Independent Book Fair!
See you there!
For More Information contact:
Khunum Productions
718.924.8779
Khunum Productions@gmail.com
Fort Greene Brooklyn--A collective of Independent Authors join forces
and bring their work directly to the public through this
Totally Independent Book Fair!
See you there!
For More Information contact:
Khunum Productions
718.924.8779
Khunum Productions@gmail.com
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
“What Do You See?”
Developing a Whole Child through Symbolic Cognition
(Originally written for and posted in Original Thought Metazine)
By Nehprii Amenii
The illustrations in “Memories of the Little Elephant”(www.NehpriiAmenii.
The mental and spiritual process for understanding and deciphering symbolic imagery is very different from th
at used to comprehend the abstract script of English. With the English alphabet, meaning is passively understood through external learning and memorization. We know what each letter is and means because we are taught from an external source that “A is A, B is B” and so forth. It is a passive learning process which only calls upon the usage of the left side of the brain for memorization and usage. It is also a learning method that is stagnant and non-transformative. Although memorization and rational cognition is relevant and required for the understanding of many things, it is not the only form of knowing and must be balanced.
Hence the need for imagery—symbolism—symbolic imagery. Symbolic imagery is processed in a different location of the brain, and requires a different level of participation in order to uncover its meaning. Rather than placing information into the brain, symbolic imagery calls for the information to be drawn out of the mind. Which is the true etymology of the word “education”, to draw out what is within. In simple, the child (and the child within us all) sees the image, and their imagination can now go to work at understanding what they are seeing. As the child shares their imagination, they are being active participants and the authority figure over what they know.
Symbolic cognition is needed for all, but it especially enhances brain performance for the ra
pidly developing minds of our children. When the child is presented with a symbolic image, and then asked, “What do you see?” This very simple question, calls into action brain balance. To be brief, the left-brain is the more linear logical side of the brain. In this society, linear thinking, rational, and logic tends to dominant the learning and developmental process. Well, the brain should too function as balanced as yin-yang. The right brain, which is more intuitive (spiritual), must also be developed. Symbolic imagery does just that. It gives the right brain the opportunity to be exercised, strengthened and utilized. It is only the intuitive (spiritual) mind that can tap into the higher consciousness and insights of all things. The development of both hemispheres creates optimal brain function, teaches your child to see in wholes, and in turn develops a whole child.
Each month Original Thought Magazine will feature an illustration from “Memories of the Little Elephant.” I urge you to sit with your child and ask the question “What do you see?” and listen as they explore and channel their “imaginations.” Have you child write their thoughts or together write their thoughts. In the
following month I will reveal some of the knowledge/thoughts hidden within the illustration posted from the month before, along with the insights from your children, shared by you. (Please email me directly at KhunumProductions@gmail.com with the subject “What do you see?) In addition to the monthly image, for the illustrations where I’m able, I will also include a coloring page for your child’s creative pleasure.
I hope you and your seeds enjoy exploring the mind of the Creator together. And I hope that you take every opportunity possible to exercise the imagination of our children, while affirming their innate intelligence.
With passionate blessings.
Nehprii Amenii
The illustrations in “Memories of the Little Elephant”(www.NehpriiAmenii.
The mental and spiritual process for understanding and deciphering symbolic imagery is very different from th
at used to comprehend the abstract script of English. With the English alphabet, meaning is passively understood through external learning and memorization. We know what each letter is and means because we are taught from an external source that “A is A, B is B” and so forth. It is a passive learning process which only calls upon the usage of the left side of the brain for memorization and usage. It is also a learning method that is stagnant and non-transformative. Although memorization and rational cognition is relevant and required for the understanding of many things, it is not the only form of knowing and must be balanced. Hence the need for imagery—symbolism—symbolic imagery. Symbolic imagery is processed in a different location of the brain, and requires a different level of participation in order to uncover its meaning. Rather than placing information into the brain, symbolic imagery calls for the information to be drawn out of the mind. Which is the true etymology of the word “education”, to draw out what is within. In simple, the child (and the child within us all) sees the image, and their imagination can now go to work at understanding what they are seeing. As the child shares their imagination, they are being active participants and the authority figure over what they know.
Symbolic cognition is needed for all, but it especially enhances brain performance for the ra
pidly developing minds of our children. When the child is presented with a symbolic image, and then asked, “What do you see?” This very simple question, calls into action brain balance. To be brief, the left-brain is the more linear logical side of the brain. In this society, linear thinking, rational, and logic tends to dominant the learning and developmental process. Well, the brain should too function as balanced as yin-yang. The right brain, which is more intuitive (spiritual), must also be developed. Symbolic imagery does just that. It gives the right brain the opportunity to be exercised, strengthened and utilized. It is only the intuitive (spiritual) mind that can tap into the higher consciousness and insights of all things. The development of both hemispheres creates optimal brain function, teaches your child to see in wholes, and in turn develops a whole child.Each month Original Thought Magazine will feature an illustration from “Memories of the Little Elephant.” I urge you to sit with your child and ask the question “What do you see?” and listen as they explore and channel their “imaginations.” Have you child write their thoughts or together write their thoughts. In the
following month I will reveal some of the knowledge/thoughts hidden within the illustration posted from the month before, along with the insights from your children, shared by you. (Please email me directly at KhunumProductions@gmail.com with the subject “What do you see?) In addition to the monthly image, for the illustrations where I’m able, I will also include a coloring page for your child’s creative pleasure. I hope you and your seeds enjoy exploring the mind of the Creator together. And I hope that you take every opportunity possible to exercise the imagination of our children, while affirming their innate intelligence.
With passionate blessings.
Nehprii Amenii
WHAT DO YOU SEE?
Together with your child, take a look at the above image. Ask your child "What do you see?" Talk together. Allow them to share their insights. Encourage (and help) them to write their thoughts. Then share email/comment/ share.
I'll publish your child's words in the next month's posting for all read!
Be sure to include their name, age, and your city/ state!
Email Khunum Productions@gmail.com.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
This year as Black history month rolls in, and for each additional day and month hereafter, it is refreshing 
to know that our children, teachers, and parents will have much more available to them regarding the story of African peoples, far beyond Kunta Kinte and Martin Luther King.
Memories of the Little Elephant is a picture book of Diaspora Literature that gives an account of African people from the very beginning of time to the present. It connects all of humanity to one common origin, shows the populating of the Earth via the movement of African people, tells of the building of great nations, and shares the source of all the sciences, mathematics, arts, and medicine now known to the world.
And, As the WHOLE world celebrates the image of an African president being embraced in a justly due light...It only makes sense that it is also time for all to know of and share in a positive re-telling of African history. All should have available to them a narrative that offers a dignified, intelligent and regal account of their identity. One that continues the upliftment of their image and the human spirit.
Below is a link that allows you to view and read Memories of the Little Elephant in its entirety, made available through the International Children's Digital Library.
Please read, enjoy and pass along the gifts of it's teaching to all you know.
Blessings to all!
Nehprii Amenii,
Author/Illustrator
Memories of the Little Elephant
"The Movement of African People"
Memories of the Little Elephant
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Memories of the Little Elephant is a picture book of Diaspora Literature that gives an account of African people from the very beginning of time to the present. It connects all of humanity to one common origin, shows the populating of the Earth via the movement of African people, tells of the building of great nations, and shares the source of all the sciences, mathematics, arts, and medicine now known to the world.
And, As the WHOLE world celebrates the image of an African president being embraced in a justly due light...It only makes sense that it is also time for all to know of and share in a positive re-telling of African history. All should have available to them a narrative that offers a dignified, intelligent and regal account of their identity. One that continues the upliftment of their image and the human spirit.
Below is a link that allows you to view and read Memories of the Little Elephant in its entirety, made available through the International Children's Digital Library.
Please read, enjoy and pass along the gifts of it's teaching to all you know.
Blessings to all!
Nehprii Amenii,
Author/Illustrator
Memories of the Little Elephant
VIEW THE BOOK IN ITS ENTIRETY: The International Children's Digital Library
http://www.childrenslibrary.org/icdl/SaveBook?bookid=amememo_00990001&lang=English
http://www.childrenslibrary.
"The Movement of African People"
Memories of the Little Elephant
www.NehpriiAmenii.com
(For bulk orders please email for discounted rates)
www.KhunumProductions.blogspot.com
"If you were going to teach your child about their history, where would you begin?"
http://www.blacknews.com/news/little_elephant.shtml
EDNews: Interview with Nehprii Ameniihttp://ednews.org/articles/29099/1/An-Interview-with- Nehprii-Amenii-Writing-for- Children/Page1.html
To Schedule a Book Signing, Author Interview,
Classroom Visit, Children's Event, Teacher Training or Lecture
Please Contact Khunum Productions
Khunum Productions, P.O. Box 2064 , Radio City Station , New York City, New York 10101 USA 718.924.8779 KhunumProductions@gmail.com
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Wednesday, January 7, 2009
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