A guide to writing poetry by Maria (Gidig) Writing anything, especially a poem, can be a difficult but rewarding process. This process can take minutes, hours, months, and even years to complete. You may write a poem that you dislike and never look at again. On the other hand, you might write a poem you like so much, you edit and change until it you find it perfect in your eyes. Whatever the case may be, here are some suggestions about how to write your best! Get in the mood. Getting in...

Preparing for a school dance By Lyndsee (Heartlines.) School dances are a huge part of high school. They're a fun, safe way to hang out with friends and enjoy yourself. However, dances can be really hard to prepare for, harder than one may think! Many people tend to scramble at the last minute to find the perfect outfit, a great date, and make plans. Throughout this article, you'll learn tips and tricks that will aid in preparing for the perfect school dance. Many people think that...

Effective communication By Lyndsee (Willow.) I know that many of you have a hard time communicating with others, whether it's with a parent, a boyfriend/girlfriend, friend, or even a teacher. There is an acronym that can be used as a guide to communicate - DEAR MAN. I’ve found this to be very helpful in the past, and I think you might find this helpful as well! So, what does DEAR MAN stand for? Describe, Express, Assert, Reinforce, Mindful, Appear confident, Negotiate Now that...

Article featured in Avatar - Volume 4, Issue 2 (August 2010). Catch Phrase By Amy (Ronald Weasley) Catch Phrase is a simple game that can be played anywhere, anytime, with almost anyone (ages 12 and up)! If you're headed to the beach, at a slumber party, or waiting in the airport, this is a game for you! The small disc is electronic and easily portable with no loose parts that can get lost. I think it's time for a small explanation of how this game actually works. First, you'll...

Article featured in Avatar - Volume 4, Issue 1 (July 2010). The Game of Scattergories by Amy (Ronald Weasley) Sometimes we all forget how much fun it can be to round up a bunch of friends and have a good laugh together, while enjoying games such as checkers, Monopoly or Sorry! In light of remembering the fun and the classic games that we all used to love or those that may have not been so popular, each month we'll be discussing a fun game and what it's all about. This month,...

Article featured in Avatar - Volume 4, Issue 1 (July 2010). Redecorating your space by Cheyenne (Desert) At some point in time everyone feels the need to change their “space” around. Whether it’s for aesthetic reasons or merely just because a change is due, redecorating is always a big choice! If you’re looking to redecorate any of your spaces right now, worry not! There are a few things you can decide on right now to help make redecorating go smoothly.

Article featured in Avatar - Volume 4, Issue 1 (July 2010). Be Aware: Stay Cool at the Pool By Katrina July is upon us, and we know what that means: hot summer rays from the golden sun, pesky mosquitoes coming out in the afternoon, tons of time to hang out with friends or summer flings, and the prime time season at every outdoor pool. Unfortunately, according to Time magazine, there were "175,000 . Parental supervision, CPR education and fenced swimming pools are crucial." Most of us...

Article featured in Avatar - Volume 3, Issue 11 (May 2010). Preparing for Prom By Brittany (.Brittany.) At the end of high school, many schools around the world have a prom, which is also known as a promenade or Leavers' Ball in much of Europe. Prom is a formal dance at which young people celebrate the ending of high school and the beginning of a new chapter in their lives. Many plan for it months before the actual event or much sooner, some don’t plan or go at all. Others have a small...

Article featured in Avatar - Volume 3, Issue 9 (March 2010). Make March Merry By Casey (Cas*) and Jessie (Asylum) March is just another month. Right? Wrong. It's a time to value your friends and loved ones, to share with them: encouragement, pride, joy. It is a month for helping others, to give them a gift more valuable than gold: happiness. Why? March is host to Share a Smile day, on the first, and I Want You to be Happy day, on the third. And what better time than now to do both of...

Article featured in Avatar - Volume 3, Issue 7 (January 2010). International Creativity Month By Stephanie (Konstantine) January is International Creativity Month, so what better way to start the month and New Year off than with an open and imaginative mind? Since there are many ways to use your imagination and be creative, why not start exploring now? Creativity is important and it’s all around you. It allows you to explore your own unique ideas and thoughts through various methods....