Brothers Learn a New Language to Help Kids Learn Math

chicagotribuneSome things never change. Kids need to learn math, and one tool to help them has always been repetitive flash cards.

Well, inspiring kids Owen and Finn Voorhees have taken flash cards to a new level—to the iPhone, in fact.
The brothers had the idea that the iPhone would be a great delivery system for a flash card program, or app, that would help students memorize math facts. There are over 35,000 apps for the phone, and there is a large community of programmers writing programs for iPhone users to add to their devices. However, up to 9 months ago, Owen and Finn were not part of that community. Together, they learned the programming language, and came up with graphical icons and for the app. The Chicago tribune article is here.

Like so many inspirational children, Owen and Finn saw a need and filled it. Sure there are flash cards out there already, but what kid wouldn’t rather pick up an iPhone instead of a pile of cards? Kids helping kids, once again!

Congratulations, Owen and Finn.

Do you know an inspiring young person? We’d love to hear about him or her. It’s easy to toot a horn for your inspiring kid. Post a blog on this site, submit a story for inclusion in my book “Kids Who Inspire,” or email me at gordon@kidswhoinspire.com.

What's Ben Weymiller Doing Now?

Part of the joy of doing Kids Who Inspire is following up to see what the amazing kids we blog about are up to now. We’ll be checking back every so often to see how projects have grown, how others are being affected by the actions these inspired kids are taking, and to see what other projects are underway.

Our first look back brings us to one of our previously featured kids, Ben Weymiller. Ben is back with a new project that we’re happy to report here.

This inspirational kid is once again helping out the hospital that has taken such great care of his little cousin by sponsoring a tree for the Mary Bridge Children's Foundation Festival of Trees.

Ben’s set a goal of $2000, and is already at more than 25% of the way there! You can visit his page at: http://www.firstgiving.com/benweymiller and if you’re inclined to donate, all the better.

Kudos to you, Ben, for your continued attention and service to your cousin and to the people and organizations that are a part of her life.

Do you know an inspiring young person? We’d love to hear about him or her. It’s easy to toot a horn for your inspiring kid. Post a blog on this site, submit a story for inclusion in my book “Kids Who Inspire,” or email me at gordon@kidswhoinspire.com.

Young Rock Bands Organize for Charity

Peter Fogg is a couple merit badges away from being an Eagle Scout, the highest Boy Scout rank. And to further his progress, he decided to organize a benefit concert using local bands for the lineup. Peter’s own band, The Tides, will also perform at the show.

In all, there will be 5 bands performing. Shawn Dowd, Democrat and Chronicle

The concert will benefit Food Link and Water for Sudan . Peter hopes to collect $1000, and at least 400 packaged food items at the concert.

Peter’s story is another great example of how kids are making a difference in their communities and around the world. It took a lot of effort from a lot of young people to organize the event, and learning leadership skills is part of what it means to become an Eagle Scout.

Kudos to Peter Fogg and his band, The Tides, for their efforts and for making a difference.

Do you know an inspiring young person? We’d love to hear about him or her. It’s easy to toot a horn for your inspiring kid. Post a blog on this site, submit a story for inclusion in my book “Kids Who Inspire,” or email me at gordon@kidswhoinspire.com.

Emily's Smile Boxes

If you’ve ever spent time in a hospital, you know there can be long waits, lots of down-time, and very little to do while you’re waiting to get information form doctors and other healthcare professionals.

Emily, a 5th grader, has spent a lot of time at the hospital because her little brother suffered a stroke before he was born. She and her family would often have little to keep them occupied while they were at the hospital, and

Emily noticed other kids in the same situation. So Emily decided she would do something to help make the experience of being at the hospital a little better.

She created Smile Boxes, and her story is a great example of kids making a difference. From her site:
“We strive to give enough boxes to local children's hospitals so that every patient, and their sibling will receive a box. My boxes contain neat smiley face objects, games, toys, colors, and inspirational messages. I put a lot into these boxes, and each one costs about $15 to make.”

You can help by donating to her cause here: http://www.emilyssmileboxes.com/

Like all of the inspiring kids we’ve blogged about, Emily saw a problem, and she took action to do something about it. Congratulations to Emily on being an inspirational kid who clearly cares about others.

Do you know an inspiring young person? We’d love to hear about him or her. It’s easy to toot a horn for your inspiring kid. Post a blog on this site, submit a story for inclusion in my book “Kids Who Inspire,” or email me at gordon@kidswhoinspire.com.