Thursday, February 25, 2016

Somebody Say Road Trip?!

Most parents are starting to think about and plan March break activities for the family. You've got your day trips, play dates, special excursions...how about road trips, I love road trips!

The planning, the packing and then there's the whole plotting of places to see and things to do along the way and once you get there.

Some may be tempted to call it a case of the crazies with a family of six but there's so much to explore, learn and do.  Here's some ideas:

Explore the History: 
During the weeks and days leading up to your trip take the kids to visit your local library and find out more about where you plan to visit or have them do their research via the internet. Gives them a sense of the journey.

Read A Map:
While you're researching the history look up any landmarks you might find along the way and map it out together.  Have them map your entire trip! Use both a paper map and an app such as Google Maps. 

Get Inspired, Be Creative:
It's interesting to see the world through their eyes; from a child's perspective. Get them a disposable camera and whilst there have them take tons of photos of things that appeal to them.

Once you return encourage them to create a written or photo journal as a keepsake containing all they saw and experienced. 

Road trips can be many things; exhilarating, exciting, crazy, a game of survival, educational, fun...at the end of the day you're making memories!!!

Dale 


Thursday, February 18, 2016

Calling all fans of 'The Guardian Herd' series

by Dale Ho, Hon. RECE 

In a few days we're starting Landfall, book three in The Guardian Herd series by author, Jennifer Lynn Alvarez.

Any other families interested in forming a 'family book club' of sorts? 

They say a story is best enjoyed when you have others to share it with.

It's a great chance to join in some lively discussion with fellow fans of the series, encourage a reluctant reader or just spend time sitting down together with a good book.

Here's how it'll work...

So we all start off on the same page (pun intended) we'll begin during the first week of March, this gives everyone a chance to purchase the book prior to. 

We'll have four weeks to finish the book and all within that time period I'll post related information to the blog, so things like videos, activity ideas, author info., fun facts and more.

Everyone is more than welcome to post their questions, thoughts and ideas during those four weeks as long as you don't post any spoilers!! 

At the end of those four weeks everyone will each get a turn to pose 1-2 questions to the group on the book for discussion. 

Everyone's welcome to join...kids of all ages and abilities, families, classrooms....you name it!
If you're interested in joining leave a comment below. 

Click on the link to find out more about The Guardian Herd series and watch the book trailer right here! 





Dale 

Wednesday, February 03, 2016

What's Your Superpower?

by Dale Ho, Hon. RECE

What's Your Superpower?
When I ask the younger ones what their superpowers are I either get the look that says they think I'm mistakenly crazy or I quickly get schooled on every superhero alive along with a very colorful description of their superpowers, usually it's Superman and his ability to leap tall buildings in a single bound, the Hulk and his insane strength or the Flash's super sssspeeed!!!

It's time to look at superpowers differently, I'm talking about those powers within. 

What do they feel most confident in?

What are some of their strengths?

What are some things they're really good at?

What makes them different from all the rest?

These are the superpowers we want to explore!!! It's the power of self worth...

Acknowledging your strengths can be empowering...gives every child that feeling of self worth.

Dale