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The Wela Way Chosen as One of Discover's Favorite Blogs!

The Wela Way

Creating a Life of Meaning and Financial Well-Being

Our mission is to help increase the financial and life success skills of our youth globally. Why? So they can achieve their full potential and share their gifts with the world.

We work with families, organizations, charitable foundations, schools and individuals committed to this outcome.

Nancy Phillips, creator of the Wela Way, discusses the importance of the GISS (Give, Invest, Save, Spend) Method of Money Management

The Steps to Success Teen Guide, 25 Financial and Life Lessons to Help You Achieve Your Dreams
Reviewed by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority

Nancy Phillips, Founder DollarSmartKids Enterprises and Creator of the Zela Wela Kids

with mentor Jack Canfield, Creator of The Success Principles

By providing financial and life success skills resources to families, we can change the course of history for the next generation.

Where did the name Zela Wela Kids come from?

The inspiration of children and their brilliance and passion! The word wela is the root of the word “wealth” and means an abundance of valuable resources and possessions. Since all young children have an infinite supply of “valuable resources” within them – such as determination, imagination, optimism, perseverance and the belief they can do anything – this seemed a natural choice. Nancy and a group of children came up with the word zela while playing a game to find something fun that rhymed with wela, luckily the last letter worked!

 

nancy@zelawelakids.com

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Testimonials

"Hi Nancy, I am so grateful that I went into Save-On that day and came across your books. It is so fantastic to read them to my girls and watch their little minds grow, and yes, as you said, no more temper tantrums in or leaving stores! I'm lovingly firm in 'let's put it on your wish list' and surprisingly they have barely anything on that list! It was “in the moment” that they had hard time with. I have been talking about your books to everyone I know, and I even carry them with me in my purse. Lol and so many people are just in awe! So thank you for doing this. I know it's not easy with so many people not wanting to talk about money, and preferring to live in a world of denial. But as you said, it's the power of one! One person can make a difference, and it has a ripple effect. And soon, No one will be afraid of talking about money."
Deannie Zahara
mom of three
"Already your books have transformed how we talk about money in my own household. We've read through each book countless times, but the most incredible change I have witnessed centers around giving. My daughter is the only child we have, and the only grandchild on both sides, so it's probably not surprising that she has accumulated a lot of "stuff". Last Christmas and on her birthday last year, we tried to talk with her about the importance of giving to those who are less fortunate. Both times, we were faced with tears and sadness as she changed her mind about giving some of her beloved toys away. Shortly after reading the books, we asked if Rae had any toys that she would like to give away. She happily chose a number of toys (almost 2 big boxes worth), said thank-you and good-bye to each one and we sent them off for donation. No tears, no regrets. She was really proud of herself and it was an amazing moment for us to see that change in her."
Stephanie Pool
Financial Advisor and Mom to Rae
I wish we had “Built a Bank” sooner, it would have stopped so much begging for me to buy my daughter Lauren (8) things. Now she manages her own money and is learning for herself the value of a dollar. In fact last week she wouldn't buy some earrings because they cost too much. She learned the hard way about how much taxes are. It's a beautiful thing, I am learning to let go of trying to control what she spends her money on and am letting her make her own choices, and, at the same time she is making amazing choices. I remember humming and hawing about giving Lauren an allowance and how to teach her about spending and saving...then I realized, why am I trying to reinvent the wheel here. Nancy has already done all the research and I just have to trust in and follow her lead. It's working out amazingly well!
Nicola King
Mom
I cannot tell you how passionate I am about your mission. Your blog post on why entrepreneurial thinking skills are essential in kids addressed exactly what I've been thinking about and wanting to teach my two sons. Nancy, I just want to thank you for what you are doing with zelawelakids. It is truly phenomenal. I want to support and promote your mission in ANY way I can. I am positive that the women entrepreneurs that I work with want to teach their children these skills as a young age precisely because the careers they will have do not exist yet. As a woman entrepreneur, I am committed to teaching my sons these values, but I had no idea how to do it. And then the Universe brought me to you, Nancy!
Vrunda Davé
Ph.D.

Crafting Fun: A Guide to Creating Your Own Cards for Kids

In a world dominated by digital communication, there’s something special about receiving a handmade card. Whether it’s for a birthday, holiday, or just to brighten someone’s day, creating your own cards for kids is a delightful way to unleash your creativity and foster personal connections. Not only does it provide a fun activity for both adults and children, but it also allows you to tailor the card to the recipient’s interests and preferences. In this article, we’ll explore step-by-step how to create your own unique cards for kids.

Check out Customstickers.com for an easier way for you to create your own!

Gather Your Materials

Before diving into the creative process, gather all the necessary materials. Here’s a basic list to get you started:

  • Cardstock or heavy paper for the card base
  • Decorative paper, stickers, markers, crayons, or any other embellishments
  • Scissors
  • Glue or double-sided tape
  • Stamps and ink pads (optional)
  • Envelopes (if desired)

Choose a Theme

The first step in creating a card for a child is to decide on a theme. Consider the child’s interests, hobbies, or upcoming events. Popular themes could include animals, superheroes, princesses, outer space, or favorite colors. Once you’ve chosen a theme, gather materials that fit the theme and will bring your vision to life.

Design the Card

Now it’s time to get creative! Start by folding your cardstock or heavy paper in half to create the card base. Then, let your imagination run wild as you design the front of the card. Here are a few ideas to spark your creativity:

  • Draw or print out images related to your chosen theme and glue them onto the card.
  • Use decorative paper or fabric scraps to create a collage.
  • Write a personalized message or add a pun related to the theme.
  • Incorporate three-dimensional elements like buttons, ribbons, or googly eyes for added texture and visual interest.

Add Personal Touches

To make the card extra special, consider adding personal touches that reflect the recipient’s personality or interests. You could:

  • Include a photo of the child or a picture of something they love.
  • Write a heartfelt message or poem inside the card.
  • Enclose a small drawing or doodle that the child can color in themselves.
  • Incorporate interactive elements like pop-up features or movable parts.

Finalize and Assemble

Once you’re satisfied with the design of your card, it’s time to assemble all the elements. Use glue or double-sided tape to secure any decorations or embellishments in place. Make sure to let the glue dry completely before handling the card further. If desired, stamp or write a greeting on the inside of the card. Finally, carefully fold the card closed and place it in an envelope if you’re planning to mail it.

Enjoy the Reactions

The best part of creating your own cards for kids is seeing the joy and excitement they bring to the recipients. Whether it’s a big smile, a squeal of delight, or a heartfelt thank you, your handmade card is sure to be cherished and appreciated.

Conclusion

Creating your own cards for kids is a wonderful way to express your creativity, show your love and appreciation, and strengthen personal connections. With just a few simple materials and a bit of imagination, you can craft unique and memorable cards that will be treasured for years to come. So why not grab some supplies and get crafting? Your inner artist and the lucky recipients will thank you for it!

Creating a Custom Reading Log for Students: A Comprehensive Guide

A reading log is a valuable tool for students to track their reading progress, develop critical thinking skills, and cultivate a lifelong love for reading. While there are various pre-designed reading logs available, creating a custom reading log tailored to the specific needs of students can enhance its effectiveness. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of creating a personalized reading log that engages students and promotes a deeper understanding of the material.

Step 1: Define Purpose and Goals

Before diving into the design process, clearly define the purpose and goals of your custom reading log. Consider whether you want to focus on tracking reading time, analyzing themes, or assessing comprehension. Tailoring the log to specific objectives ensures it aligns with the overall educational goals.

Step 2: Choose Format and Layout

Selecting the right format and layout is crucial for the readability and usability of the reading log. Consider whether you want a digital or paper-based format. For a digital log, tools like Google Sheets or Microsoft Excel can be useful. On the other hand, a paper-based log may involve designing a template using graphic design software or simply creating a printable document.

Divide the log into clear sections such as book details, reading dates, reflections, and any specific criteria you want students to track. A visually appealing layout can enhance engagement, so incorporate colors, graphics, or illustrations to make the log more enticing.

Step 3: Include Essential Information

Ensure that your reading log includes the essential information necessary for effective tracking and reflection. Common elements to include are:

  1. Book Details:
    • Title
    • Author
    • Genre
    • Publication date
  2. Reading Dates:
    • Start and end dates for each reading session
  3. Pages or Time Read:
    • Track the number of pages or the duration of each reading session
  4. Reflections:
    • Include sections for students to write reflections on the plot, characters, and overall impressions of the book
  5. Vocabulary and Concepts:
    • Space for noting new vocabulary words or important concepts encountered during reading

Step 4: Incorporate Interactive Elements

To make the reading log more interactive and engaging, consider adding elements such as checkboxes, rating scales, or prompts that encourage students to think critically about the material. For example:

  1. Rating Scale:
    • Allow students to rate their enjoyment or understanding of the book on a scale of 1 to 5.
  2. Checkboxes:
    • Create checkboxes for specific reading goals, such as identifying literary devices, making predictions, or summarizing chapters.
  3. Prompts:
    • Include open-ended prompts that encourage students to analyze the themes, characters, or conflicts in the book.

Step 5: Integrate Technology

If you opt for a digital reading log, leverage technology to enhance its functionality. Consider features like auto-summing total reading time, embedding links to book summaries or author interviews, or incorporating multimedia elements such as images or audio reflections.

Step 6: Pilot Test and Gather Feedback

Before implementing the custom reading log, conduct a pilot test with a small group of students. Collect feedback on the usability, clarity, and effectiveness of the log. Use this feedback to make any necessary adjustments before wider implementation.

Step 7: Implement and Monitor

Once the custom reading log is finalized, implement it into your curriculum. Monitor its usage and collect ongoing feedback from students to identify any areas for improvement. Regularly assess the log’s impact on students’ reading habits and comprehension.

Conclusion:

Creating a custom reading log for students involves thoughtful planning and consideration of their unique needs and objectives. By defining clear goals, choosing the right format, incorporating essential information, adding interactive elements, integrating technology, and gathering feedback, you can develop a personalized reading log that not only tracks progress but also fosters a deeper connection with literature. This tool can be a valuable asset in promoting a lifelong love for reading and enhancing overall literacy skills.