Jeanette Ramnarine

Readings

My readings are geared towards children and share the importance of learning about money from an early age. My passion as a teacher for over 14 years blended with the message of learning financial responsibility give light to an inspirational reading as I share my award winning book The 4 Little Pigs (a financial values book for children) in its digital format. The book has been honoured to receive a Moonbeam Children’s Book Award which are intended to bring increased recognition to exemplary children’s books and their creators and has also won a Mom’s Choice Awards being recognized as one of the best in family friendly products.

The 4 Little Pigs is the story of how my son spent money from his weekly allowance that was divided between four special piggy banks named SPENDING (pocket money), SAVING (for a bigger purchase), SHARING (to help society), and SCHOOLING (for post secondary education). I engage children in a lively discussion of how they would use money from each of the four piggy banks.

My presentations have been described as “actively involving students in the dialogue where they provide suggestions on ways to spend money – an inspiration to the students”. I have recently received recognition on behalf of the Government of Canada for winning the Moonbeam Children’s Book Award and for my dedication to teaching and inspiring the youth in our community.

Presentations include an opportunity for students to pre-order copies of “The 4 Little Pigs before the visit. Any books pre-ordered will be personally autographed in a meet-and-greet session after the presentation.

A portion of the proceeds from book sales will be donated to the school or library’s literacy program. I also provide teachers with a colouring page of the four piggy banks named Spending, Saving, Sharing and Schooling to spark classroom discussion on the different ways that money can be used. The sheet may be used in the classroom either before or after the visit.

Special Equipment:

Large screen or blank wall to project digital book onto (or smartboard).

Book Sales:

Jeanette can bring copies of her books to the readings for students to purchase and have autographed.

Workshops

I have several workshop activities that I offer to schools and libraries. My workshop activities can be combined with a reading and discussion of the book The 4 Little Pigs. I offer the following workshop activities:

4 Piggies Colouring Page: Students will use art supplies to decorate the 4 piggy banks.

Make & Take: Students will use 4 small jars or cups and make the 4 piggy banks from the book.

Needs v.s Wants: Small group activity dividing pictures into needs or wants.

How Much is That? Establishing the cost of everyday common everyday purchases.

Money Decisions: Worksheet activity finding out “Do I have enough to buy that?”

Money Questionnaire: Worksheet and discussion of your money habits.

Special Equipment:

If students are participating in the Make & Take workshop, they need to have craft supplies and 4 cups or jars per student.

Book Sales:

Jeanette can bring copies of her books to the readings for students to purchase and have autographed.

Other Presentations

I also tailor my presentations to a variety of different groups. As a keynote address speaker, I share the story of how I’ve created an award-winning book and publishing company. I also provide presentations on how to teach children the value of learning financial responsibility and give professional development seminar on how to incorporate these teachings in the classroom.

Biography

Jeanette Ramnarine was raised in beautiful Prince Edward County, Ontario. From a very young age she had a love and passion for music, teaching and children. In her late teens she worked as a camp counselor and lifeguard. She has many fond memories, working as a nanny for a wonderful family by day and then teaching group music lessons from her studio in the evenings.

At 24 years of age, she married Richards Ramnarine and moved her music studio into her home. Two years later they started a family and now have two beautiful children, Caleb and Maya, who would eventually become the inspiration to her writing the book The 4 Little Pigs.

From a young age, Jeanette was very interested in investing and knew that upon having children, teaching them how to use money wisely would be one of the most important lessons they would learn. Her inspiration to writing The 4 Little Pigs comes from the experience of watching her son Caleb learn about financial values using his four piggy banks from the age of three years old.

Jeanette, along with her husband Richards, established the company Four Piggies Publishing in 2007. The 4 Little Pigs was released in May of 2008 and Jeanette is thrilled to have her book recognized by the Moonbeam Children’s Book awards and Mom’s Choice awards. Jeanette has appeared on CBC Radio, TVO kids and continues to share her message through speaking engagements, financial workshops and media interviews. She has recently developed and released The 4 Piggies Financial Kit for Kids and plans are underway to release a second book and financial card game for kids.

To find out more information you can visit her website at www.fourpiggies.com