Jef Lippiatt, Author at Star Pupil

Papercraft your own Seal of Approval

January 22, 2018June 8, 2020 by Jef Lippiattin Activities

Perhaps you haven’t heard the term ‘papercraft’ before, well you are in for a treat. Papercraft is all about making three-dimension models or objects out of paper. Curious yet? This is an activity that you and your children can enjoy in several ways. You can download all of the files for free, look for the links near the bottom of the post.

The first option is downloading the black and white version so that your child can color Seth on their own. The other option is downloading the version that has been colored and textured by Louis the illustrator of The Seal of Approval. Kids enjoy cutting things out, but you may need to do the cutting for younger children or at least supervise as the cutting takes place (there are a few tricky cuts involved). Both options lead to great outcomes. If you don’t have any double-sided tape, I suggest using a glue-stick.

Hopefully, we’ll offer some more papercraft characters in the future. But until then, please share pictures of you and your kids putting this together with us on our Facebook page, Twitter, or Instagram accounts. We can’t wait to see how your version turns out, #PapercraftSeth.

And if you don’t already have a copy of The Seal of Approval, you can get a copy today as a paperback or electronically for Kindle.

Gather near Santa Seth and Holiday Socks

December 19, 2017June 8, 2020 by Jef Lippiattin Activities, Books

This is the perfect time of year to gather by the chimney with loved ones. Perhaps your family has a wealth of traditions you look forward to this time of year. Maybe you are starting some new family traditions of your own.

Children are full of sugar and energy this time of year. Has that energy been put to good use making and decorating cookies? Taste-testers are never in short supply. Have they been helpful decorating your house and Christmas tree too? Remember it is the thought that counts (even if you redecorate a bit). However, there is something to be said about helping the kids relax and reflect as the holiday season progresses. So, we’ve provided a Christmas themed coloring page that is filled with holiday cheer!

Do you recognize Seth, The Seal of Approval, dressed as Santa Claus? Did you see the socks from our book, Where’s Its Pair?, disguised as Christmas stockings hung by the fire with care? Coloring helps quiet children outwardly while jump-starting an internal world of imagination. It is a great calming activity for kids and adults alike. So why wait? Download and print out our festive activity and gather around the ones you love. There is nothing wrong about coloring as a family. (Attachment is at the bottom of the post)

Remember this season is all about wonder and cheer. This year before opening presents, have each child guess what might be inside their presents. I’m certain their imaginative answers will give you a reason for a few jolly laughs. Laughing curbs stress and spending time with family matters.

Combining anticipation and imagination always leads to great results every time. And we look forward to hearing from you in the new year.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all our star pupils! We have great things planned for 2018.

December is for Going Places

December 1, 2017June 8, 2020 by Jef Lippiattin Announcements, Books

This December we are teaming up with Going Places, a local Charleston nonprofit organization focused on providing low income, high poverty kids with the most basic childhood right; a right to joy! This is exciting for us because we can combine helping kids go places with their imagination while helping them go places physically.

Katie Blomquist, Founder, and Executive Director, of Going Places, has been an absolute pleasure to work with on this effort. We are pledging 25 cents per book purchased throughout the entire month of December to Going Places! This includes sales from both our eBooks and Paperbacks! If you’ve been waiting for the perfect time to buy our books or gift one to someone else, there is no better time than now.

Clicking on a book will take you to Amazon for purchase.

Where's Its Pair Front Cover — Where’s Its Pair?

Our goal is to raise as much money for Going Places as possible, so tell your family and your friends (or anyone that will listen). But if you feel the urge and understand the need, you can give directly to Going Places indeed.

We Must Get To The Beach

August 1, 2017June 8, 2020 by Jef Lippiattin Announcements, BooksLeave a Comment

It’s August 1st, I bet I can guess where you want to be. The beach! Right? The last time you visited the beach, did everything go exactly as planned? If not, you’re among good company. Despite all of our best efforts and checklists, we might miss a small detail that turns into something more. It can be very frustrating because the anticipation has been building up to reaching our destination.

Perhaps it is time to take a step back and think about how those little unplanned moments help craft the eventual adventure. It is great when things go as planned, but we can’t and shouldn’t always expect it to happen that way. We must remain flexible. What really matters is the adventure (and having a good time – especially with family).

I’m very excited to ask you all on our next adventure together, “Beach or Bust” (ebook – the paperback will be launching soon). This is our third adventure connecting with you and your family. I know you’ll be able to relate to this story. Remember being at the beach is all about relaxing and having fun. Don’t let the little hiccups distract you from what’s truly important.

Back to school time is rapidly approaching, so extend your summer mindset for just a while longer. The beach is calling. We hope to see you there.

This story was locally inspired over the many trips I’ve taken Folly Beach, South Carolina. It’s just down the road (so to speak) from Charleston, South Carolina. There are plenty of other great local beaches as well, but it’s the one I visit the most.

What is your favorite beach? Tell us on Facebook or Twitter and use the hashtag #BeachOrBust to let us know!

Summer Is A Slippery Seal

July 25, 2017June 8, 2020 by Jef Lippiattin ActivitiesLeave a Comment

It seems like the Summer goes by more quickly than preferred (especially by children). Trying to enjoy every passing day can be a challenge, especially because of the unpredictable weather. Perhaps you were expecting a sunny day and the rain ruined your plans. Maybe it is just too hot to be enjoyable, even at the pool. Whatever the case, we have a treat that will work no matter the weather or time of day.

Hopefully, you noticed that we launched our second children’s book, “The Seal of Approval” this month. We truly hope you’ll grab a copy if you haven’t already ready, but today is all about Seth. After all, he is The Seal of Approval. So we created a free downloadable Seth coloring page. We believe he can help inspire your child to see the value of hard work and giving the best you have every day.

If you aren’t familiar with Seth. You need to get acquainted with him. He’ll be making many more appearances in our kid-friendly activities throughout the year.

So what are you waiting for? Print out a few copies and start coloring. Color where it is nice and cool or outside in the sun by the pool (just remember paper isn’t waterproof).

Approval Is What You Seek

July 5, 2017June 8, 2020 by Jef Lippiattin Announcements, BooksLeave a Comment

I’m sure we can all relate during the era of social media. We all want approval on some level, don’t we? Believe me, being yourself is one of life’s great challenges.

Children are constantly seeking approval from parents, siblings, and extended family. Once they begin school new paths for approval are found or forged with their peers and school teachers. It is important to instill great life lessons from an early age. The best lessons come from positive role models and examples. However, we don’t all get those throughout our lives (at least not consistently).

So what does this really mean? We must develop our own character and look internally for satisfaction and validation. We must protect our character and reputation. But why does this really matter? Because today our new children’s book, “The Seal of Approval” is launching. You can now learn where the phrase originated (if you believe everything you read in a children’s book).

Currently, only the e-book is available, however, the paperback version will be launching soon.

Feel free to also check out our other children’s book, “Where’s Its Pair?” available electronically and as a paperback.

#GetSethApproved

Valentine All Mine

February 13, 2017June 8, 2020 by Jef Lippiattin ActivitiesLeave a Comment

There are plenty of ways to make people feel special on Valentine’s Day, but one of the best is simply spending time with those that matter most to you. Be sure to take time out of your busy schedule to enjoy the day. Make a big deal about the things that your child creates for you (even if you don’t fully understand them). If you haven’t figured out any fun crafts just yet, never fear! We’ve got you covered!

As a Valentine’s Day gift to all of you, we have 2 new coloring pages for you. One is “I love you” and the other is “Happy Valentine’s Day” no matter which one you choose we hope you feel special today. We value our readers and their eyes, so as a thank you, and please download each surprise!

Art and Child Development

January 31, 2017June 8, 2020 by Jef Lippiattin CultureLeave a Comment

Children not only need art, but they understand it much more than most adults. They still have the urge to create and imagine without limitations. Too many adults have given that up somewhere in their adolescence. One of our primary goals is to ensure there is a steady stream of creators, artists, and inventors entering the adult world. We cannot allow entire generations to sit back and rest on just consuming things because it is easier, faster, or less expensive. You need to connect with your children and show them the importance of creating things (both tangible and intangible).

Ideally, you’ll participate with them in the act of making, but at the very least don’t put roadblocks in the way of their creativity. I’m not saying anyone would do that intentionally, but the routines and stress of life can let many things get rushed or fall by the wayside. Be intentional about the art of creating with your children. And if you can, schedule some specific time for making something with your children nearby. You will inspire your children to create more just by being an example of someone that creates.

Adventure Is Everywhere

January 24, 2017 by Jef Lippiattin EducationLeave a Comment

You won’t have to look high or low because adventure is everywhere you go.

Constant Creative Engagement

January 10, 2017June 8, 2020 by Jef Lippiattin Culture, EducationLeave a Comment

Sometimes we forget that as children our daily world was full of creativity. Many lost it along the way because school systems didn’t seem to prioritize creativity (at least not after a certain grade or age level). I’m very lucky to count myself among the few kids that not only kept my creativity but actively developed it; even in a school system that did not value creative outlets. I grew up in a school system that first made Art, Music, and Foreign Language optional. However, the funding for those classes was always the first to be cut if a school levy didn’t pass.

Why am I bringing that up? You shouldn’t leave your child’s creativity only in the hands of a school system. I’m not categorically knocking schools. In fact, many schools are now embracing the Education Technology (or EdTech) movement. This movement is all about using technology in ways to really connect with your children (believe it or not, we all learn differently). This approach to technology is making room for those who learn differently or aren’t as extroverted to connect with their teachers, classmates, and their own creativity.

So how do you as a parent help your child stay engaged with creativity? Small steps. Every child has tons of creative potential, but it needs to be nurtured. Remember that your expectations for their creativity may not be what you expected. Perhaps they like drawing or listening to music. I want to stress that “creativity” is not limited to artistic pursuits, rather it is a way of approaching and solving problems. Every new experience a child encounters helps them view problems from new perspectives (art, music, foreign language, science, sports, and cooking among others will help shape how they approach thinking).

Here are a few interesting ways to help your child connect with creativity:

Duolingo – a free app/website to help your child learn a variety of foreign languages in a practical approach.
LittleBits – technology kits that are a combination of Lego-like fun meeting science and programming (a great STEM / STEAM product)
GoldieBlox – construction and engineering toys focused on getting more girls interested in engineering (another great STEM / STEAM product)
Drawing Desk – an app to draw and color (has a specific “Kids Desk” feature)
Loopimal – create music in this app using animals as musical instruments (definitely hilarious!)