As usual, if anyone has any suggestions for trips or activities, or would like to organise anything for our group, please feel free!
every Monday during term time: Swimsation lessons 11- 12pm, socialising from 12pm onwards. If you are interested in joining the lessons, contact Swimsation at Moana Pool. Otherwise, just turn up!
12:30pm Wednesday 3 March: Meet up at Marlow Park - bring bikes, scooters, rollerblades.
7:30pm Thursday 4 March: Mums' Night Out, Nova Cafe.
12:30pm Wednesday 10 March: Meet up at Chingford Park - bring soccer balls.
12:30pm Wednesday 17 March: Intriguing Dunedin Street Walk, blue book, walk 2: Trains and Trams, Mayors and Racecourses. Meet at corner of Rugby St and Royal Cres, St Kilda. No raindate - if it rains, we'll do it next term.
10:50am Friday 19 March: Macraes Gold Mine trip (the "second" trip), meet at Macraes Village - contact Claire to book.
9:50am Wednesday 24 March: Macraes Gold Mine trip (the "first" trip), meet at Macraes Village - contact Claire to book.
12:30pm Wednesday 31 March: Meet up at Mosgiel Memorial Park.
TERM 2
12:30pm Wednesday 21 April: Meet up at Marlow Park with bike safety talk by Police Education Officer Heather Rei. Bring lunch and bikes.
Remember, if it's raining, our outdoor meet-ups or walks will be cancelled/postponed
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Some MORE advertising from Kiwi Kids Learn!
WIN! A years subscription to Kiwi Kids Learn. Order your copy of Issue 1 to go in the draw today. Winner drawn 20th April 2010.
If you have already ordered and paid for your copy you will automatically go in the draw and your magazine will be on the way to you. If you haven't ordered your copy yet then do so today to be in with a chance to win. For every copy ordered because of your referral you get an extra entry into the draw. www.kiwikidslearn.yolasite.com
If you have already ordered and paid for your copy you will automatically go in the draw and your magazine will be on the way to you. If you haven't ordered your copy yet then do so today to be in with a chance to win. For every copy ordered because of your referral you get an extra entry into the draw. www.kiwikidslearn.yolasite.com
Otago Association for the Gifted and Talented
Invitation to Otago Association for the Gifted and Talented meeting, 7:30pm Wednesday 3 March
Dear Teachers and Parents of Gifted Children
Have you ever heard of OAGAT - the Otago Association for the Gifted and Talented - and wondered who we are?
OAGAT: is a group of parents and teachers of gifted children who meet regularly in Dunedin to listen to speakers, share ideas and information and discuss issues regarding gifted children and gifted education. We are affiliated to NZAGC and have a library for members. Annual membership costs $25 per family or school.
We would like to invite you to our first meeting for 2010 next Wednesday 3 March, 7.30pm at Landcare Research, 764 Cumberland Street, Dunedin (on the corner of Cumberland and St David St). Landcare Research is on the same side of the road as and just before the University of Otago St David Lecture Theatre where we held some workshops in 2008 on parenting gifted children led by Dr Tracy Riley from Massey University. The powerpoints and notes from these workshops is available on the web: http://www.otago.ac.nz/marinescience/po/GiftedworkShop/giftedworkshoppresentataions.html
Our meeting next Wednesday will be an Open Forum. Come along to meet other parents and teachers of gifted children, ask questions and tell us what you need and want from OAGAT. If you have any ideas regarding a change of direction for us, we'd also love to hear them.
Recently OAGAT has been looking into the establishment of a one day Gifted Kids Programme in Dunedin along the lines of similar programmes in Invercargill and Masterton. For more information about this, come to our next meeting!
Best wishes
Carolyn Stein
Secretary
Otago Association for the Gifted and Talented
9 Newington Ave
Dunedin
03 474 1178
NCHENZ Student ID cards and membership
The National Council of Home Educators New Zealand has arranged to create ID cards for homeschooled students, and is also holding its annual membership drive.
Go to the links below for more information:
Student ID cards
NCHENZ membership (SHEAF is not a 'Member Group' of NCHENZ - but we are a 'Friend' - see the next link for more info)
What relationship does SHEAF have to NCHENZ?
Go to the links below for more information:
Student ID cards
NCHENZ membership (SHEAF is not a 'Member Group' of NCHENZ - but we are a 'Friend' - see the next link for more info)
What relationship does SHEAF have to NCHENZ?
Campaign to Save Radio New Zealand
For those RadioNZ fans out there, here's a petition to sign to protect our national treasure:
http://www.issues.co.nz/handsoff/Home
http://www.issues.co.nz/handsoff/Home
Preacher Cookies
Nicola's family had fun making these no-bake biscuits this week, and they're ready to eat in about 10 minutes. They're very sweet and rich, so we might try them with a bit less butter and sugar next time - not sure how that will effect the consistency.
Preacher cookies
From the webpage:
Preacher cookies
From the webpage:
"This recipe got its name because it could be prepared quickly when a housewife looked out her window and saw the preacher riding up the mountain on his horse. By the time the preacher arrived, the cookies were cooling."
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Weekend Reading - hands on learning
This week's article comes from Kris at Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers, whom I think deserves a prize for coming up with such a cool name for her blog.
Her blog covers all sorts of things home-ed - product reviews, interviews with home education 'graduates', insights into her own family life and general musings on home education.
This week Kris started a short series on 'Adding Spark to Your Homeschool Through Hands-on Learning'. She was supposed to be speaking at an online home ed conference but had to pull-out - so instead of delivering her talk at the conference, she is serializing it on her blog.
Start here for the intro and keep checking back as she posts more up - I'll put the links at the end of this post too.
Second instalment here - Adapting Generic Games
Third instalment here - Internet games
Fourth instalment here - History and Geography
Her blog covers all sorts of things home-ed - product reviews, interviews with home education 'graduates', insights into her own family life and general musings on home education.
This week Kris started a short series on 'Adding Spark to Your Homeschool Through Hands-on Learning'. She was supposed to be speaking at an online home ed conference but had to pull-out - so instead of delivering her talk at the conference, she is serializing it on her blog.
Start here for the intro and keep checking back as she posts more up - I'll put the links at the end of this post too.
Second instalment here - Adapting Generic Games
Third instalment here - Internet games
Fourth instalment here - History and Geography
second Macraes mining trip
There will be a second trip to the Macraes Gold mine on Friday 19th March departing from the Macraes village at 11am. You will need to drive yourself to the Macraes village (which is about 1 1/2 hours from Dunedin). The tour is about 1 1/2 to 2 hours long. Please let Claire know if you are interested.
See the original Macraes trip notice for more info
See the original Macraes trip notice for more info
Monday, February 22, 2010
Diary Dates - 22 February 2010
As usual, if anyone has any suggestions for trips or activities, or would like to organise anything for our group, please feel free!
every Monday during term time: Swimsation lessons 11- 12pm, socialising from 12pm onwards. If you are interested in joining the lessons, contact Swimsation at Moana Pool. Otherwise, just turn up!
12:30pm Wednesday 24 February: Intriguing Dunedin Street Walk, blue book, walk 1: Cable Cars and Churches, Big Drops and Long Drops. Meet outside of 153 Glenpark Ave, Mornington. Raindate 3 March - if this walk is postponed I will confirm this date in the relevant week's newsletter.
12:30pm Wednesday 3 March: Meet up at Marlow Park - bring bikes, scooters, rollerblades.
7:30pm Thursday 4 March: Mums' Night Out, Nova Cafe.
12:30pm Wednesday 10 March: Meet up at Chingford Park - bring soccer balls.
12:30pm Wednesday 17 March: Intriguing Dunedin Street Walk, blue book, walk 2: Trains and Trams, Mayors and Racecourses. Meet at corner of Rugby St and Royal Cres, St Kilda. No raindate - if it rains, we'll do it next term.
12:30pm Wednesday 24 March: Macraes Gold Mine trip - contact Claire to book.
12:30pm Wednesday 31 March: Meet up at Mosgiel Memorial Park.
Term 2
12:30pm Wednesday 21 April: Meet up at Marlow Park with bike safety talk by Police Education Officer Heather Rei. Bring lunch and bikes. Rain venue is Nicola's house.
Remember, if it's raining, our outdoor meet-ups or walks will be cancelled/postponed
every Monday during term time: Swimsation lessons 11- 12pm, socialising from 12pm onwards. If you are interested in joining the lessons, contact Swimsation at Moana Pool. Otherwise, just turn up!
12:30pm Wednesday 24 February: Intriguing Dunedin Street Walk, blue book, walk 1: Cable Cars and Churches, Big Drops and Long Drops. Meet outside of 153 Glenpark Ave, Mornington. Raindate 3 March - if this walk is postponed I will confirm this date in the relevant week's newsletter.
12:30pm Wednesday 3 March: Meet up at Marlow Park - bring bikes, scooters, rollerblades.
7:30pm Thursday 4 March: Mums' Night Out, Nova Cafe.
12:30pm Wednesday 10 March: Meet up at Chingford Park - bring soccer balls.
12:30pm Wednesday 17 March: Intriguing Dunedin Street Walk, blue book, walk 2: Trains and Trams, Mayors and Racecourses. Meet at corner of Rugby St and Royal Cres, St Kilda. No raindate - if it rains, we'll do it next term.
12:30pm Wednesday 24 March: Macraes Gold Mine trip - contact Claire to book.
12:30pm Wednesday 31 March: Meet up at Mosgiel Memorial Park.
Term 2
12:30pm Wednesday 21 April: Meet up at Marlow Park with bike safety talk by Police Education Officer Heather Rei. Bring lunch and bikes. Rain venue is Nicola's house.
Remember, if it's raining, our outdoor meet-ups or walks will be cancelled/postponed
Sir Peter Blake Trust Environment Forum
From Selina-Jane:
This year Sir Peter Blake Trust Environment Forum will be held in Wellington from Sunday 11 to Thursday 15 April. The forum is hosted in in partnership with the Ministry for the Environment and is packed with great experiences for young people aged 16 - 18. They'll meet and spend time with other like-minded young environmentalists and participate in workshops, field-trips and other activities. Nominations are now open to students interested in environmental issues or resource management subjects. Around 45 delegates from around the country will attend the forum and two can be from Otago. Applicants should apply in writing by Wednesday 3 March to me, at the Otago Regional Council, Private Bag 1954, Dunedin 9054.
For more information about the forum and the Sir Peter Blake Trust see the websites below or give me a call on 0800 474 082.
www.mfe.govt.nz/withyou/youth
www.sirpeterblaketrust.org
Yours sincerely
Kerry Dohig
Communications Co-coordinator
This year Sir Peter Blake Trust Environment Forum will be held in Wellington from Sunday 11 to Thursday 15 April. The forum is hosted in in partnership with the Ministry for the Environment and is packed with great experiences for young people aged 16 - 18. They'll meet and spend time with other like-minded young environmentalists and participate in workshops, field-trips and other activities. Nominations are now open to students interested in environmental issues or resource management subjects. Around 45 delegates from around the country will attend the forum and two can be from Otago. Applicants should apply in writing by Wednesday 3 March to me, at the Otago Regional Council, Private Bag 1954, Dunedin 9054.
For more information about the forum and the Sir Peter Blake Trust see the websites below or give me a call on 0800 474 082.
www.mfe.govt.nz/withyou/youth
www.sirpeterblaketrust.org
Yours sincerely
Kerry Dohig
Communications Co-coordinator
Children's Language Club in Dunedin
There is a new Children's Language Club in Dunedin. Languages are Spanish, German, Japanese and ESOL (English for Speakers of other languages). You may have seen it advertised in the Star last week. The club for children aged 5 and over will meet on Saturday mornings 10am - 11am starting on March 6. Cost is $250
For more info phone Karina 471 7257 or email: contactus@englishmatters.co.nz
For more info phone Karina 471 7257 or email: contactus@englishmatters.co.nz
NZ International Science Festival
The fantastically educational (and fun) bi-annual Science Festival will be on again this year from 7-11 July 2010. For more information, check their website at http://www.scifest.org.nz
Bike Safety talk and meet your local friendly police officer!
The Police Education Officer, Constable Heather Rei is coming to meet our group at the Marlow Park bike track at 12:30pm, Wednesday 21 April (the first week of Term 2). She'll have lunch with us first, so that kids can chat to her and ask her anything they want (doesn't have to be about bikes) and then she'll talk a bit about keeping safe when riding on the street, and can do safety checks on bikes for whoever would like that. If it's raining, we'll meet at Nicola's house but don't bring bikes as there's not much flat ground around her property.
Let's Grow Native: International Year of Diversity
From Kathrin,
The United Nations has declared 2010 as the International Year of Biodiversity to focus awareness on the need to halt the loss of biodiversity globally.
The United Nations has declared 2010 as the International Year of Biodiversity to focus awareness on the need to halt the loss of biodiversity globally.
The Dunedin City Council has signed on as a partner to Countdown 2010. As a partner the Council has committed to supporting the target to halt the loss of biodiversity along with increasing public awareness and participation for biodiversity conservation; better integrate biodiversity considerations in decisions; and reducing impact upon biodiversity.
The Dunedin City Council is co-ordinating a programme of events to celebrate biodiversity in the city and enhance public knowledge and understanding of biodiversity conservation and management. The events will be posted on the DCC's Biodiversity page.
Or download this pdf file to see loads of cool activities planned throughout the yearThursday, February 18, 2010
Weekend Reading - Paths are made by walking
This week's Weekend Reading is from BestHomeschoooling.org, a site which has links to a whole collection of home education wisdom. I get the impression that the site is not actively managed by its owner as quite a few of the external links are broken, but the core articles are all there and are well worth the read.
Today's article is a reflection on the journey of homeschooling...
Paths are Made by Walking, by Nancy Friedland.
Today's article is a reflection on the journey of homeschooling...
Paths are Made by Walking, by Nancy Friedland.
"When we begin to homeschool - or even when the more experienced homeschoolers encounter new territory (changing needs, new interests, teen-hood) - we often want some direction, benchmarks, sign posts, anything that will help us feel not so lost or alone..."
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Autistic Spectrum Workshop
Organised by the Otago Children's Autism Support Group
Upcoming workshop – March 2010
Stress and Social Development: Enabling people with ASD to cope with stressful situations and social development.
Presented by Alison Schroeder and Justine Aldous.
13th March 2010 at Pacific Park, 22-24 Wallace Street, Dunedin, 9 - 3pm.
cost: $40 family, $60 Professional.
Download their pdf for more information about this event
Upcoming workshop – March 2010
Stress and Social Development: Enabling people with ASD to cope with stressful situations and social development.
Presented by Alison Schroeder and Justine Aldous.
13th March 2010 at Pacific Park, 22-24 Wallace Street, Dunedin, 9 - 3pm.
cost: $40 family, $60 Professional.
Download their pdf for more information about this event
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Macraes Gold Mine Tour
Edited, 22 Feb 2010, to add:
I think this trip may have booked up already, but Claire is organising a second one (not sure of date yet), so keep reading if you're interested, and let Claire know if you'd like to book for the second trip, or to be put on the waiting list for the first trip.
From Claire -
I have booked a tour through the Macraes Gold mine for 24th March at 10am. We have been quoted $5 for children and $10 for adults (even better than his first quote, yah). The prices are normally $25 for adults and $10 for children.
We would need to be at the Macraes village by say 9:50 for a 10am start so an early start needed as the village is about 1 1/2 hours from Dunedin. Warm clothing and sensible shoes required. They do an educational tour usually pitched at whatever age group they have but he said they would try and accomodate our multi-age group. Their bus only holds 19 so numbers are limited and I have already had interest from the few people I have mentioned this too so be in quick if you are interested. If there is lots of interest I can look at arranging another date too.
Cheers
Claire
This is the blurb from their website:
I think this trip may have booked up already, but Claire is organising a second one (not sure of date yet), so keep reading if you're interested, and let Claire know if you'd like to book for the second trip, or to be put on the waiting list for the first trip.
From Claire -
I have booked a tour through the Macraes Gold mine for 24th March at 10am. We have been quoted $5 for children and $10 for adults (even better than his first quote, yah). The prices are normally $25 for adults and $10 for children.
We would need to be at the Macraes village by say 9:50 for a 10am start so an early start needed as the village is about 1 1/2 hours from Dunedin. Warm clothing and sensible shoes required. They do an educational tour usually pitched at whatever age group they have but he said they would try and accomodate our multi-age group. Their bus only holds 19 so numbers are limited and I have already had interest from the few people I have mentioned this too so be in quick if you are interested. If there is lots of interest I can look at arranging another date too.
Cheers
Claire
This is the blurb from their website:
Our two hour tour takes you to see enormous trucks and excavators in action.
Visit heritage mining sites including a complete battery stamper. View the gigantic Fraser’s open cast pit and the CAT maintenance base.
We also visit the Otago Fish and Game hatchery and see the rainbow trout breeding ponds followed by a stop at the gold processing plant.
Visit the historic village of Macraes and see the churches,stables and agricultural machinery of a bygone era.
The tour is an exciting mix of the old and the new all set in the amazing landscape of East Otago.
Library Book Sale
The Dunedin Public Library's Book Sale is this weekend.
Cheap books! Nothing more needs to be said, really :~)
Bring a bag and fetch some bargains. Choose from thousands of adult and children's books at 50c, magazines 20c and a choice of CDs, DVDs and speciality books as priced - something for everyone guaranteed.
Friday 19 February 4.00pm - 8.00pm
Saturday 20 & Sunday 21 February 10.00am - 4.00pm
City Library Carpark
Cheap books! Nothing more needs to be said, really :~)
Bring a bag and fetch some bargains. Choose from thousands of adult and children's books at 50c, magazines 20c and a choice of CDs, DVDs and speciality books as priced - something for everyone guaranteed.
Friday 19 February 4.00pm - 8.00pm
Saturday 20 & Sunday 21 February 10.00am - 4.00pm
City Library Carpark
Diary Dates - 15 February 2010
As usual, if anyone has any suggestions for trips or activities, or would like to organise anything for our group, please feel free!
every Monday during term time: Swimsation lessons 11- 12pm, socialising from 12pm onwards. If you are interested in joining the lessons, contact Swimsation at Moana Pool. Otherwise, just turn up!
12:30pm Wednesday 17 February: Meet up at Botanic Gardens playground.
12:30pm Wednesday 24 February: Intriguing Dunedin Street Walk, blue book, walk 1: Cable Cars and Churches, Big Drops and Long Drops. Meet outside of 153 Glenpark Ave, Mornington. Raindate 3 March - if this walk is postponed I will confirm this date in the relevant week's newsletter.
12:30pm Wednesday 3 March: Meet up at Marlow Park - bring bikes, scooters, rollerblades.
7:30pm Thursday 4 March: Mums' Night Out, Nova Cafe.
12:30pm Wednesday 10 March: Meet up at Chingford Park - bring soccer balls.
12:30pm Wednesday 17 March: Intriguing Dunedin Street Walk, blue book, walk 2: Trains and Trams, Mayors and Racecourses. Meet at corner of Rugby St and Royal Cres, St Kilda. Raindate 24 March - if this walk is postponed I will confirm this date in the relevant week's newsletter.
12:30pm Wednesday 24 March: Meet up at Arthur St Park.
12:30pm Wednesday 31 March: Meet up at Mosgiel Memorial Park.
Remember, if it's raining, our outdoor meet-ups or walks will be cancelled/postponed.
every Monday during term time: Swimsation lessons 11- 12pm, socialising from 12pm onwards. If you are interested in joining the lessons, contact Swimsation at Moana Pool. Otherwise, just turn up!
12:30pm Wednesday 17 February: Meet up at Botanic Gardens playground.
12:30pm Wednesday 24 February: Intriguing Dunedin Street Walk, blue book, walk 1: Cable Cars and Churches, Big Drops and Long Drops. Meet outside of 153 Glenpark Ave, Mornington. Raindate 3 March - if this walk is postponed I will confirm this date in the relevant week's newsletter.
12:30pm Wednesday 3 March: Meet up at Marlow Park - bring bikes, scooters, rollerblades.
7:30pm Thursday 4 March: Mums' Night Out, Nova Cafe.
12:30pm Wednesday 10 March: Meet up at Chingford Park - bring soccer balls.
12:30pm Wednesday 17 March: Intriguing Dunedin Street Walk, blue book, walk 2: Trains and Trams, Mayors and Racecourses. Meet at corner of Rugby St and Royal Cres, St Kilda. Raindate 24 March - if this walk is postponed I will confirm this date in the relevant week's newsletter.
12:30pm Wednesday 24 March: Meet up at Arthur St Park.
12:30pm Wednesday 31 March: Meet up at Mosgiel Memorial Park.
Remember, if it's raining, our outdoor meet-ups or walks will be cancelled/postponed.
Lost and found corner
A few families took part in the chemistry workshop last week (run by Nathalie Thomas of Science for Home Educators), and it was well worthwhile.
Someone from the morning session left a watch behind, with pink love hearts on the face and a colourful, striped wrist band. If this is yours, or sounds familiar, please let Nicola know, as Nathalie left it with her in the hope that she could find the owner.
Someone from the morning session left a watch behind, with pink love hearts on the face and a colourful, striped wrist band. If this is yours, or sounds familiar, please let Nicola know, as Nathalie left it with her in the hope that she could find the owner.
Home Education in the News - article in The Age
An interesting article via Kathrin:
From The Age - Melbourne newspaper
School's out when home is the classroom
From The Age - Melbourne newspaper
School's out when home is the classroom
Mums' Night Out
(or more politically correctly, Caregivers' Night Out ;-) )
Our next Mums' Night Out will be on Thursday 4 March at 7:30pm at Nova Cafe in the Octagon, as usual.
Each month, we'll try to rotate the days of the week that they are held on so that hopefully everyone has the chance to come occasionally.
Our next Mums' Night Out will be on Thursday 4 March at 7:30pm at Nova Cafe in the Octagon, as usual.
Each month, we'll try to rotate the days of the week that they are held on so that hopefully everyone has the chance to come occasionally.
Homeschool Freebie of the Day
Check out the Homeschool Freebie of the Day site. Each day (mon to fri) they post up a fresh link to some free downloadable resource.
The quality of the resources is variable, but occasionally there are some very good ones, this week for instance they have a whole package of lapbooking stuff for learning about Impressionist Artists. You can check out the website any time http://www.homeschoolfreebie.wholesomechildhood.com/
or subscribe to their weekly emails which tell you which resources will be available in the coming week.
The quality of the resources is variable, but occasionally there are some very good ones, this week for instance they have a whole package of lapbooking stuff for learning about Impressionist Artists. You can check out the website any time http://www.homeschoolfreebie.wholesomechildhood.com/
or subscribe to their weekly emails which tell you which resources will be available in the coming week.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Weekend Reading - Keeping the home in homeschool
I came across this two-part article a couple of weeks ago and really appreciated it.
Enjoy!
Keeping the home in homeschool, from Brave Writer
Read part 2 here
Enjoy!
Keeping the home in homeschool, from Brave Writer
Read part 2 here
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Diary Dates 8 Feb 2010
From Nicola:
As usual, if anyone has any suggestions for trips or activities, or would like to organise anything for our group, please feel free! I've scheduled two Intriguing Dunedin Street Walks and some park dates for this term, but these can easily be changed if anyone has any better options :-) I'm currently waiting to hear back from the Otago Museum about booking more of their educational workshops, and the Police Youth Education Officer has offered to organise a talk for us, so I'll let you know as soon as I have anything confirmed.
every Monday during term time: Swimsation lessons 11- 12pm, socialising from 12pm onwards. If you are interested in joining the lessons, email Adrian Brown at albrown@dcc.govt.nz. Otherwise, just turn up!
12:30pm Wednesday 17 February: Meet up at Botanic Gardens playground.
12:30pm Wednesday 24 February: Intriguing Dunedin Street Walk, blue book, walk 1: Cable Cars and Churches, Big Drops and Long Drops. Meet outside of 153 Glenpark Ave, Mornington. Raindate 3 March - if this walk is postponed I will confirm this date in the relevant week's newsletter.
12:30pm Wednesday 3 March: Meet up at Marlow Park - bring bikes, scooters, rollerblades.
12:30pm Wednesday 10 March: Meet up at Chingford Park - bring soccer balls.
12:30pm Wednesday 17 March: Intriguing Dunedin Street Walk, blue book, walk 2: Trains and Trams, Mayors and Racecourses. Meet at corner of Rugby St and Royal Cres, St Kilda. Raindate 24 March - if this walk is postponed I will confirm this date in the relevant week's newsletter.
12:30pm Wednesday 24 March: Meet up at Arthur St Park.
12:30pm Wednesday 31 March: Meet up at Mosgiel Memorial Park.
Remember, if it's raining, our outdoor meet-ups or walks will be cancelled/postponed.
As usual, if anyone has any suggestions for trips or activities, or would like to organise anything for our group, please feel free! I've scheduled two Intriguing Dunedin Street Walks and some park dates for this term, but these can easily be changed if anyone has any better options :-) I'm currently waiting to hear back from the Otago Museum about booking more of their educational workshops, and the Police Youth Education Officer has offered to organise a talk for us, so I'll let you know as soon as I have anything confirmed.
every Monday during term time: Swimsation lessons 11- 12pm, socialising from 12pm onwards. If you are interested in joining the lessons, email Adrian Brown at albrown@dcc.govt.nz. Otherwise, just turn up!
12:30pm Wednesday 17 February: Meet up at Botanic Gardens playground.
12:30pm Wednesday 24 February: Intriguing Dunedin Street Walk, blue book, walk 1: Cable Cars and Churches, Big Drops and Long Drops. Meet outside of 153 Glenpark Ave, Mornington. Raindate 3 March - if this walk is postponed I will confirm this date in the relevant week's newsletter.
12:30pm Wednesday 3 March: Meet up at Marlow Park - bring bikes, scooters, rollerblades.
12:30pm Wednesday 10 March: Meet up at Chingford Park - bring soccer balls.
12:30pm Wednesday 17 March: Intriguing Dunedin Street Walk, blue book, walk 2: Trains and Trams, Mayors and Racecourses. Meet at corner of Rugby St and Royal Cres, St Kilda. Raindate 24 March - if this walk is postponed I will confirm this date in the relevant week's newsletter.
12:30pm Wednesday 24 March: Meet up at Arthur St Park.
12:30pm Wednesday 31 March: Meet up at Mosgiel Memorial Park.
Remember, if it's raining, our outdoor meet-ups or walks will be cancelled/postponed.
More on the Meet the Locals DVDs
further to last week's notice:
TVNZ 6's Meet the Locals Resources
Meet the Locals is a series of four-minute mini-documentaries filmed in partnership with TVNZ and the Department of Conservation. As teaching resources they match the vision for our young people as in the New Zealand Curriculum. You'll meet creative, energetic and enterprising people actively contributing to the well being of New Zealand. The videos highlight the inspiring work of local communities, individuals and DOC staff as they strive to protect and enhance New Zealand's natural heritage. We chose a selection and linked teaching and learning activities to them.
For more information, go to http://tvnz.co.nz/meet-the-locals
Kathrin and Michelle A both have spare copies of these DVDs for anyone interested, so if you'd like one, email Kathrin or Michelle A.
TVNZ 6's Meet the Locals Resources
Meet the Locals is a series of four-minute mini-documentaries filmed in partnership with TVNZ and the Department of Conservation. As teaching resources they match the vision for our young people as in the New Zealand Curriculum. You'll meet creative, energetic and enterprising people actively contributing to the well being of New Zealand. The videos highlight the inspiring work of local communities, individuals and DOC staff as they strive to protect and enhance New Zealand's natural heritage. We chose a selection and linked teaching and learning activities to them.
For more information, go to http://tvnz.co.nz/meet-the-locals
Kathrin and Michelle A both have spare copies of these DVDs for anyone interested, so if you'd like one, email Kathrin or Michelle A.
World Math Day - 3 March 2010 (but begin competing now)
(via hefnet)
Free to join!
World Maths Day was designed to encourage student participation in a fun and engaging online maths event. It involves games of live mental arithmetic that students around the world play against each other. Each game lasts for 60 seconds and students can play up to 500 games during the official event which has already begun, earning points for each correct question. Students who answer the most questions appear in the Hall of Fame.
Would be great to see some Home Educators in the Hall of Fame. (There are no New Zealanders or Home Educators on the top 50 at this stage - lets change that. An Australian is winning at the moment).
Sound fun? Why not head over and take a look?
See the new World Maths Day 2010 video with students from host city Johannesburg, South Africa inviting the world to participate in 2010!
World Maths Day home page
Free to join!
World Maths Day was designed to encourage student participation in a fun and engaging online maths event. It involves games of live mental arithmetic that students around the world play against each other. Each game lasts for 60 seconds and students can play up to 500 games during the official event which has already begun, earning points for each correct question. Students who answer the most questions appear in the Hall of Fame.
Would be great to see some Home Educators in the Hall of Fame. (There are no New Zealanders or Home Educators on the top 50 at this stage - lets change that. An Australian is winning at the moment).
Sound fun? Why not head over and take a look?
See the new World Maths Day 2010 video with students from host city Johannesburg, South Africa inviting the world to participate in 2010!
World Maths Day home page
Kiwi Kids Learn - earlybird ordering special
Further to the notice we received last week:
Hi Everyone,
Our first issue of Kiwi Kids Learn is about to go to the printer in only a couple of weeks. It is very exciting and scary all at once. Thank you all for the support and kind words you have shown us.
There is still time for your children to submit their details for the pen pal page or work for the Student Showcase section. Submission deadline is 12 February 2010.
Whittakers is sponsoring our chocolate competition - Yummy!! Details on entering the competition are in the magazine.
Our launch special is available now, order and prepay before 12 February 2010 and pay ONLY $8.50 + $2.00 P&P. See the magazine page on the website for details.
We look forward to receiving your order. Don' t forget to tell as many friends as you can, forward this email on to other home-schoolers, parents with preschoolers and even school aged children at school - Learning is for everyone.
Kind Regards
Kim Mounsey
Editor
Kiwi Kids Learn
http://www.kiwikidslearn.yolasite.com
Partcipate in research about childhood behaviour?
From Nicola -
University of Otago research: What causes typically masculine behaviour in boys and girls?
Dr Kirstie Morgan is looking for 5 and 6 year old boys to help her complete her research on the naturally-occurring hormone Mullerian Inhibiting Substance and it's effect on children's behaviour. There was an attachment with the email newsletter with information about her research and what is involved if your son takes part - basically, she chats to them for a little while, then observes them playing and using a computer. A blood test is also involved, which puts some people off, but my son took part last year, and was quite happy to have the blood test in exchange for the gift voucher she gave us - I think I may have also mentioned Burger King :-) As well as testing the MIS levels, Kirstie will let you know your son's iron level. If you'd like to find out more or join her study, call Kirstie on 4795350
See the email newsletter or contact Nicola for the attachment
University of Otago research: What causes typically masculine behaviour in boys and girls?
Dr Kirstie Morgan is looking for 5 and 6 year old boys to help her complete her research on the naturally-occurring hormone Mullerian Inhibiting Substance and it's effect on children's behaviour. There was an attachment with the email newsletter with information about her research and what is involved if your son takes part - basically, she chats to them for a little while, then observes them playing and using a computer. A blood test is also involved, which puts some people off, but my son took part last year, and was quite happy to have the blood test in exchange for the gift voucher she gave us - I think I may have also mentioned Burger King :-) As well as testing the MIS levels, Kirstie will let you know your son's iron level. If you'd like to find out more or join her study, call Kirstie on 4795350
See the email newsletter or contact Nicola for the attachment
Chinese New Year
Two weeks of Chinese New Year celebrations start at 6pm Sunday 14 February, with free entry to the Chinese Gardens until 10pm, fireworks and lion dancing.
Go to DCC Chinese New Year page for the other scheduled events and workshops.
Go to DCC Chinese New Year page for the other scheduled events and workshops.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Weekend Reading - SHEAF in the news
I missed this article when it went to press, but if you want to see a reasonably positive newspaper article about home education in our very own local rag (complete with interview of our very own Nicola) then follow the link...
A world of learning at home - Otago Daily Times, 27 Nov 2009
A world of learning at home - Otago Daily Times, 27 Nov 2009
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Chemistry Course - Feb 10-11
Last minute reminder about the following course: (the email came through the newsletter a couple of weeks back I think, but yours truly failed to pop it onto the blog before now - sorry). This is same course that was advertised late last year...
Hi everyone in Dunedin and surrounding areas,
Next month, on 10 and 11 February, I am running a chemistry course at Otago University for homeschooled children and their parents. The course runs for 6 hours, 3 hours per day. There are still a few places left and it’s suitable for children aged 11-17.
This is a great opportunity for children to be in a fully equipped laboratory with all the chemicals and equipment that you can’t get at home. The course is hands-on and packed with practical experiments, such as food testing, separating mixtures, making and testing gases, chemical reactions, using acids & bases and indicators. No prior knowledge or skills are required.
Some feedback from students who attended the course in Auckland last year:
"I liked all the chemical reactions and actually being able to make gases",
"this was awesome, much easier and funnier than I expected", "it was really fun and I felt that I learned lots of relevant info".
If you are interested, please email me for an information/enrolment form: info@science-for-home-educators.co.nz. Cost of the course is $65 for a one-child family or $110 for a family with 2-3 children.
Best regards,
Nathalie Thomas, MSc, DipT
Science for Home Educators
PO Box 179
Katikati 3166
Bay of Plenty
Ph (07) 5490383
www.science-for-home-educators.co.nz
The Trading Post - 3 Feb 2010
To give away:
Kathrin has some resources to give away, "Teach a Tot"- names and numbers puzzles/cards, a set of home-made sandpaper letters and moveable alphabet, and Dino Dominoes.
Wanted:
Kathrin's children are looking for some pet mice - anyone got any they don't want? They'd prefer 2 the same sex. :-)
Kathrin has some resources to give away, "Teach a Tot"- names and numbers puzzles/cards, a set of home-made sandpaper letters and moveable alphabet, and Dino Dominoes.
Wanted:
Kathrin's children are looking for some pet mice - anyone got any they don't want? They'd prefer 2 the same sex. :-)
Meet the Locals DVDs
Nicola has received some educational DVDs from TVNZ 6 to share, please let her know if you'd like one. We had a look at ours today and they're full of little snippets about DOC's conservation projects - exceptional value at twice the price :)
Here's the blurb that came with them...
Here's the blurb that came with them...
Hi there,
Thank you for registering for TVNZ 6’s Meet The Locals Education Resources.
Firstly, we apologise for the delay in sending these out to you. The registrations exceeded our expectations (which we are thrilled about!) and so production and compiling took a little longer than expected. They have been posted out to you in time for the start of Term One.
Enclosed you will find one master teacher DVD version and 10 take home student versions. Please share these with your students and allow them to take them home and share with their families.
We hope that you enjoy using them in the classroom and welcome any feedback to this address.
For more info or to access the downloadable PDF resources go to http://tvnz.co.nz/meet-the-locals.
Kind Regards,
The team at TVNZ 6
Kiwi Kids Learn magazine and website
We received the following email advertising a new magazine and website resource for home educating New Zealanders:
Hi Everyone,
I am a homeschooling mother here in NZ and am developing a website and magazine to provide ongoing support, inspiration and encouragement for parents, particularly homeschooling parents in New Zealand.
The magazine is a resource jam packed with information requested, suggested and sought out by you. The aim is to provide easy access to information, expert knowledge, experiences, opportunities, and resources that will enable you as parents, caregivers and educators to support your children to be all that they can be.
Please check out our website www.kiwikidslearn.yolasite.com for more information and to send feedback. We are keen for suggestions, ideas and interest.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Many thanks in anticipation.
Kim Mounsey
kiwikidslearn@xtra.co.nz
Receiving the newsletter for 2010
SHEAF's main form of communication is via our email newsletter. This year Nicola is taking charge of collecting the information and sending this out. If you have an event or outing etc to share or advertise, Nicola is the person to contact.
At the start of each year we ask people to resubscribe to the newsletter so that we don't get bogged down with obsolete and bouncing email addresses. This also ensures that only the people who want the newsletter are receiving it.
So - very important! - if you want to get or keep getting the email newsletter then send an email to Nicola letting her know that.
At the start of each year we ask people to resubscribe to the newsletter so that we don't get bogged down with obsolete and bouncing email addresses. This also ensures that only the people who want the newsletter are receiving it.
So - very important! - if you want to get or keep getting the email newsletter then send an email to Nicola letting her know that.
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