tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21205404209782421892024-03-13T04:45:22.237-07:00Parent Teacher Knightantoniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11639528927142234348noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2120540420978242189.post-28553860153349731982011-07-12T17:01:00.000-07:002011-07-12T17:01:07.374-07:00A family weekend in BrisbaneThanks to a soccer bye in early August, we are planning a family weekend in Brisbane. We are going to see the <a href="http://www.southbank.qm.qld.gov.au/Events+and+Exhibitions/Exhibitions/2011/06/A+is+for+Animals">A to Z of Animals in War</a> exhibition at the museum, and the <a href="http://qag.qld.gov.au/exhibitions/current/surrealism_the_poetry_of_dreams">Surrealism</a> exhibition at the Gallery of Modern Art. We will probably squeeze in some <a href="http://www.rocksports.com.au/">indoor rock climbing</a> too, because it is something that all three kids and their dad enjoy. (And I am very content to be belay below!) Does anyone have any suggestions about fun places we could go as a family? Or interesting/fun places to eat?antoniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11639528927142234348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2120540420978242189.post-9136590220374751012011-06-13T04:59:00.000-07:002011-06-13T06:16:12.878-07:00Wishing you a healthy and happy winterHere's a story of synchronicity (or simply coincidence). On the second day of our current cold snap, I noticed how foolish many people are about keeping warm. There seems to be some unwritten understanding that because we live in Queensland, the weather is warm. Most of the time this is true, but when the temperature is 12 degrees celsius, clearly it is reasonably cold. And one should dress appropriately. But this is how the townsfolk of my regional centre were dressing: jeans with T-shirt and thongs (that's flip-flops for the Americans, and jandals for the New Zealanders); shorts and singlets; bare feet. And everyone was exclaiming about how cold it was! Madness! And the same day, our local paper's lead story was about our hospitals' emergency departments having treated over <em>64,000 </em>people in the past year. Many of them for simple colds and coughs.<br />
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I saw red. I was fuming. I almost wrote a smarmy letter to the editor. Our health system is overstretched as it is. A popular sport around here is telling horror stories about waiting times at the hospital, and the poor treatment people receive there. Maybe if people looked after themselves, all through the year, but especially in winter, the peak of the cold and flu season, the figures would not be so high, and the overworked, underpaid doctors and nurses at the hospital would be able to give better and more efficient help to those who genuinely need it.<br />
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I know I'm probably preaching to the converted. But it won't hurt any of us to do a quick mental check that we are doing our best to keep ourselves and our families healthy and happy this winter. I have had a quick surf to find some sites which may help:<br />
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<ul><li>Wendy Blume from <a href="http://vegiesmugglers.com.au/">Vegie Smugglers</a> has a guest post, <a href="http://www.bodyandsoul.com.au/parenting+pregnancy/kids+health/5+ways+to+keep+kids+healthy+in+winter,12465">5 ways to keep kids healthy in winter</a> at <a href="http://www.bodyandsoul.com.au/">Body and Soul</a> . </li>
</ul>And since cabin fever can sometimes be just as bad as real fever....<br />
<ul><li>Christie Burnett, at <a href="http://childhood101.com/">Childhood 101</a> has come up with a great list of ideas for <a href="http://childhood101.com/2011/06/getting-little-bodies-moving-when-its-too-cold-or-hot-outdoors/">keeping kids active</a> when it is too cold to go outside.</li>
<li>Here are some craft ideas for entertaining <a href="http://crafts.kaboose.com/crafts-for-teens.html">tweens</a> and some other <a href="http://www.activityvillage.co.uk/kids_activities.htm">rainy day ideas</a> for kids of all ages.</li>
<li>Lists of the best books for teenage <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/list/show/45.Best_Books_for_Teen_Boys">boys</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Teen-Girl-Novels-of-2011/lm/R2C93OJKFUKV4Y">girls</a></li>
<li>American Library Association's (ALA) list of best contemporary <a href="http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/yalsa/booklistsawards/bestficya/bfya2011.cfm">young adult fiction</a> (some of which looks great - I will have to have a closer look at this list!) And here is the list of the ALA's <a href="http://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/news/ala/american-library-association-announces-youth-media-award-winners">award winners</a> including the Newbery and Caldecott medals.</li>
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What do you do to stay happy and healthy in winter? Have you found any gems or germs online?<br />
<ul></ul>antoniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11639528927142234348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2120540420978242189.post-67445951197319469842011-06-12T16:30:00.000-07:002011-06-12T16:30:06.057-07:00625 - My favourite number!Today I'm celebrating 625 visits to my blog. 625 is my lucky number, because it is 25 squared. My favourite numbers (for no reason) have always been 6,2 and 5. This has nothing to do with any sort of astrological or numerological system, I just like these numbers. I'm not advertising this post on facebook, I just wanted to share that little bit of trivia with my loyal readers or anyone who might come here by accident. Hello out there! I wish I could make you a virtual cuppa and bikkie to say thanks. <br />
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I recently took part in a survey about language use. It was being carried out as part of some PhD research. It was very interesting, looking at language acquisition and use of people from hearing and non-hearing households. I had never really taken the time before to think about what it would be like to be a hearing person to have two deaf parents, and to have a sign language be one's first language, rather than a spoken language. Some of the questions related to how much time one spends speaking to various people each day, and it struck me that so much of our 'conversation' these days is done by written words - texting, chatting online, email etc. In the past we would not have been able to contact people that way, or communicate with them so readily, but on the other hand we would have spent more time talking to the people who were actually near us. So here I am talking to you, when my children are in the next room, and I should perhaps be talking to them!<br />
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I think I'll sign off now.....antoniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11639528927142234348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2120540420978242189.post-73073286917075292362011-06-11T03:19:00.000-07:002011-06-11T03:19:50.525-07:00Procrastination -the explanationAfter weeks and months of hibernation, a springlike quickening is innervating (enervating? there is a distinct difference), my blog. This is fuelled by:<br />
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1. My husband's amused and amusingly repetitive asking "So, how is your blog going? How long since your last post" (or perhaps he is saying <em>Last Post</em> - with capitals...). I am notorious at starting things and not finishing them, which is good for something like a marriage, or a block of chocolate, but not so great for things like Masters degrees and law degrees.<br />
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2. My husband's absence. He is overseas at a conference at the moment, and I am missing him a lot. I love him ridiculously much, and love just spending time with him when he is here, and tend to put off all but the most pressing (or most loudly whinging) tasks. Soppy I know!<br />
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3. What I should be doing: I have been on leave from teaching for so long now that in order to maintain my registration, I have to complete a Restart teaching course. It is not difficult or onerous. In fact, I am really enjoying it. It is great to be talking to teachers about teaching again. The course is really worthwhile, and I am learning a lot, because it has a strong emphasis on digital learning, and developing my skills with technology, as well as exploring all the systemic and curricular changes that have happened while I've been away. Th problem is, the facilitators are extremely understanding about how busy the participants' lives can be, and so are <em>very flexible with deadlines.</em> This is not good for me. I am a totally last minute person. This has a spontaneous upside, but is not very helpful in Real Life.<br />
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So there you have it. I'm procrastinating. But I am really excited about how many people, maybe even some of them new, are visiting my blog. It feels great to be writing for fun for a change. I just need to go and finish this course and then I can write for fun without the nagging guilt! <br />
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P.S. Another way I can tell I'm in procrstination mode: My house is presentable, and the ironing is almost up to date...how about you?antoniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11639528927142234348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2120540420978242189.post-59538158943547443442011-06-10T07:13:00.000-07:002011-06-10T07:13:21.324-07:00Momma Said What......?!I came across this fanastic blog last night through Lenore Skenazy's Free Range Kids blog. I have to say <a href="http://www.mommasaid.net/">http://www.mommasaid.net/</a> is the most entertaining blog I have seen for a very, very long time. And I think it's because her children are a little bit older than those of early childhood bloggers. Early childhood bloggers, while very well-meaning, and full of fantastic creative ideas for stimulating and worthy activities for the under fives, can be a little <em>earnest. </em><br />
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Momma Said's Jen Singer writes amusing, wise and thought provoking posts. She sounds like a genuinely fun and friendly person; someone I'd like to have a wine with. <br />
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Who's on your "I'd love to have a wine with...." list?antoniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11639528927142234348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2120540420978242189.post-80169199044164874162011-06-10T02:00:00.000-07:002011-06-10T02:00:49.046-07:00Celebrating 50 years of James and the Giant PeachCan you believe it? Roald Dahl's juicy tale of the boy who escapes the clutches of his snozzgusting aunts with the help of his gloriously ginormous and groobly friends is 50 years old! (Have <em>you</em> read it to <em>your </em>kids yet? Or to someone else's?) This is an official site which enables fans to create and name a virtual peach which is emailed to a friend, who passes it on etc etc. The aim is to see if it can go to 50 people. You can track your peach's journey on the site, and the miles it travels are tallied as well. My 6 year old son and I are having a race to see whose peach will travel the furthest. So far my peach is in Townsville, whilst his is wreaking havoc in Sydney. Will you join us in our quest? <a href="http://www.followthatpeach.com/">http://www.followthatpeach.com/</a><br />
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You can also print out a paper peach and send it to a friend by snail mail (which is probably possible in giant peachland)antoniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11639528927142234348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2120540420978242189.post-31429234829728445822011-06-05T18:27:00.000-07:002011-06-13T06:35:12.859-07:00Knowledge per se....Recently my husband and I had a fascinating conversation about music. He loves music, and has an encyclopaedic knowledge of popular music from about the last 50 years. He is one of those people who can "name the song and band" after hearing just a bar or two of a song. He can also tell who is singing a cover version. On the other hand, I am often surprised to discover that music from an advertisement is actually from a real song....I really am hopeless when it comes to contemporary music. I enjoy listening to it when he turns on the stereo, but I wouldn't think to do it myself.<br />
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I love listening to classical music, and foreign and indigenous singers whose lyrics I know I can't understand, so there's no need trying. I played the french horn in our school orchestra - I am not naturally musical, but had a fabulous teacher. (French horn is a good instrument to play if you are not in fact very musical - you sit near the trumpets and trombones, who are usually quite musical or at least very confident and cocky, and they either drown you out or blend you in, so no one notices your mistakes). I loved playing in orchestras and bands. Creating music with others is very fulfilling; a real pleasure.<br />
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As I was saying, I love classical music. I loved learning about musical theory, history and the lives of the great composers. It is a source of great sadness to me that I am not actually musical. I was one of only three students banned from our primary school choir <em>membership of which was compulsory!</em><br />
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To cut a long story short, I know a lot about music, but can't actually 'do' music very well. Nevertheless I am very grateful to all those who helped me learn, and who patiently covered for me in various bands and orchestras over the years. And the fascinating conversation I had with my husband made it all worth while. <br />
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He asked me about scales, and how you can tell if a piece of music is in a particular key, and what the difference is between major and minor keys, and why we need sharps and flats. In other words, about three years of music theory condensed into a half hour conversation. So I sat him down at the keyboard of our (digital) piano and showed him. It was a really special feeling, firstly to actually know more about something than he does, but also to be able to teach him a little more about something he loves. It was so refreshing (and sadly, unusual) to be having an in depth conversation that didn't revolve aroung the children or the household or work or finances. Eventually our discussion led us to the internet, where we found sites that got right into the maths and physics of music and harmony, where we both learnt something new together. And while we'll never have to rely on our understanding of musical theory for a crust, that time spent talking and sharing was for me so precious.<br />
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How often, at school or uni, have we sat in class thinking (or saying...) "Why do I have to do this? This is sooo totally irrelevant to me. I'm no good at this, why do I have to learn it?" The fact is, we can never know when something we have learnt may come in handy, when we may be grateful to those who made us learn a language or an instrument or a sport or a skill. Even learning something at which we are hopeless gives us at least a greater appreciation of the efforts of those who excel.<br />
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For which of education's 'irrelevancies' are you grateful?antoniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11639528927142234348noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2120540420978242189.post-2620521912985750312011-05-26T04:12:00.000-07:002011-06-06T04:13:06.399-07:00Halfway to ChristmasIt's true enough - my daughter asked me today how long it is until Christmas. She is desperate to start school, and she knows that she has to wait until "after Christmas". It was at that point I realised that we are close enough to halfway there. And this is my first post since January....and apparently blogs don't write themselves....so with all good intentions, I'll give the rusty writer's brain a shake and see how I go.<br />
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Frankly, Christmas can't come soon enough. Nor 2012. Last decade, for all that it was called the 'noughties', and for all the war and terrorism and horror that it contained, was really pretty benign to me and mine. This year has been very different so far. I am feeling very unsettled. It seems that stresses and tensions that are appearing in the natural world (and let's face it, it's got to the point where I think we are all wondering what new disaster each month will bring), are being mirrored by sad upheavals in our family. And as Forrest Gump would say "That's all I have to say about that". I know that blogs are supposed to be fora for opening one's heart and baring one's soul (messy!), but sometimes there is also a need to retreat, hermit-like.antoniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11639528927142234348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2120540420978242189.post-57836671519771719662011-01-31T19:22:00.000-08:002011-01-31T19:22:13.459-08:00Australia DayOur family celebrated Australia Day in a very stereotypical way: at the beach, with a sausage sizzle. However, it was also lovely to come home for a light tea of (homemade) sushi, which I feel illustrates another reason to be grateful we live here - our multiculturalism which has seen Australia accept, accommodate and later welcome people from many countries. It has saddened me in recent years to see Australia Day marked by jingoistic outpourings of superficial nationalism/patriotism. I would like to see it a more reflective time (although it could be argued that we have ANZAC Day for that.) How do you feel?<br /><br />This is a great post from Trevor Cairney's blog. It is filled with suggestions for exploring different aspects of Australian identity through children's literature.<br /><a href="http://trevorcairney.blogspot.com/search/label/Australia%20Day">Literacy, families and learning: Australia Day</a><br /><br />P.S. The sushi was not intended as a symbolic gesture - it was delicious! The symbolism occured to me later!antoniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11639528927142234348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2120540420978242189.post-69966156370238202372011-01-30T18:43:00.000-08:002011-01-30T18:43:08.389-08:00Parenting Ideas - Help your child ACHIEVE this yearA timely post from Michael Grose's Parenting Ideas page. I appreciate his core messages of being involved and interested in your child's education, without taking over; maintain open communication with and trust the teacher and the school.<br /><br />It is a little sad, however, to think that parents may need to be reminded to make sure that their kids eat healthily, get plenty of sleep and arrive at school on time - this was also a key message on the first note home I received from my son's grade one teacher. This must be a pretty serious problem if teachers are having to remind parents of something that is so commonsense. What advice would you give to parents with children starting school? <br /><br /><a href="http://www.parentingideas.com.au/Blog/January-2011/Help-your-child-ACHIEVE-this-year">Parenting Ideas - Help your child ACHIEVE this year</a>antoniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11639528927142234348noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2120540420978242189.post-23892243538441077152011-01-26T16:46:00.000-08:002011-01-26T16:46:22.926-08:00Reading Rockets: Building World Knowledge: Motivating Children to Read and Enjoy Informational TextHello and Happy New Year! I will do a proper New Year/Australia Day post soon. I the meantime, I wanted to share this article which has some good ideas for tackling non-fiction texts in the early years. It contains some very simple strategies for helping students to get the most out of a text, and to support comprehension and thinking skills.<br /><a href="http://www.readingrockets.org/article/33920?utm_source=Hootsuite&utm_medium=Twitter&utm_campaign=RR">Reading Rockets: Building World Knowledge: Motivating Children to Read and Enjoy Informational Text</a>antoniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11639528927142234348noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2120540420978242189.post-69736815232642330482010-12-13T21:11:00.000-08:002010-12-14T14:24:58.644-08:00A soundtrack to ChristmasLooking for a soundtrack to Christmas? I would like to give a plug to <a href="http://www.transitjazz.com/">transit jazz</a> , a really talented group of musicians who take their inspirations from traditional Christian music, and well- and not so well-known Bible verses.<br />
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<a href="http://www.facebook.com/album.php?profile=1&id=105690872817259"><img alt="Transit Jazz" class="logo img" id="profile_pic" src="http://profile.ak.fbcdn.net/hprofile-ak-snc4/hs168.ash2/41601_105690872817259_8950_n.jpg" /></a><br />
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Their music is easy to hear and to listen to (ie it's nice to have playing at dinner, and stimulating to actually listen to), with vaguely familiar refrains which infuse a sense of the sacred with the profane (in the old sense of the word...).<br />
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Whether you hold strong Christian beliefs or not; if you like jazz, or if you would like to like jazz, have a look and a listen!antoniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11639528927142234348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2120540420978242189.post-41945467528378343662010-12-13T18:14:00.000-08:002010-12-14T14:59:42.217-08:00The sum of innumerable privilegesIt is coming to that busy Christmas end of year season here. In Australia, the weather really heats up, the temperature rising in tandem with the excitement of children anticipating a period of surprises and treats. For me, Christmas is always a period of reflection and evaluation, as the year draws to a close replete with images of new life welcomed in surprising and unconventional circumstances, ancient promises made and kept, and the tenuous vulnerability of life and relationships. At this time of year, above all others, I am acutely aware of being the sum of innumerable privileges.<br />
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"Of those to whom much is given, much will be expected." I don't know the origins of this expression, but it has been a theme in my family for as long as I can remember; the implication being that those with talent or intellectual or material wealth have an obligation to give of themselves, and to make the most of their opportunities to unselfish ends. And this is something I strive for. And yet how can I hope to give in accordance with the abundance of privilege I have? Privilege I did nothing to earn or achieve.<br />
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I was born in a time of peace in a stable democracy. I am a part of the dominant culture, speaking the dominant language. I grew up in a loving and supportive family with many excellent role-models. I received easily, willingly and happily an outstanding education. I was blessed to have outstanding teachers. I attended university with a minimum of fuss, and at a reasonable cost. My gender is, to all intents and purposes, irrelevant. I have excellent health. My children are healthy, happy and amazing. My husband grows more impressive - in thoughtfulness, character and integrity. The debt I owe to life, or humanity, or the future is humbling.antoniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11639528927142234348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2120540420978242189.post-55250040668632298592010-12-13T18:00:00.000-08:002010-12-14T14:58:51.457-08:00http://www.parentingideas.com.au/newsletter/pdf/HK2_ebook.pdfI know that in the quest for an easy pun I was a bit of a meanie about Michael Grose in an earlier post. In fact, I opened my first can of blogging worms....but 'tis the season of good will, and he has a lot of practical, straightforward, and positive ideas.<br />
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Please enjoy this "Best Of" compilation which I received via email today. Also, if your appetite is whetted, he's now on Facebook (for those of us who indulge in that guilty pleasure....)<br />
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<a href="http://www.mnwd-hosting.com/emanager/members/link.php?M=2264334&N=14962&L=11448&F=H">http://www.mnwd-hosting.com/emanager/members/link.php?M=2264334&N=14962&L=11448&F=H</a>antoniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11639528927142234348noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2120540420978242189.post-55564045267389422742010-12-12T14:58:00.000-08:002010-12-14T15:00:05.877-08:0035 Gifts Your Children Will Never Forget | Becoming MinimalistA nice reminder that the best and most important gifts are not given just once a year!<br />
<a href="http://www.becomingminimalist.com/2010/11/26/35-gifts-your-children-will-never-forget/">35 Gifts Your Children Will Never Forget Becoming Minimalist</a>antoniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11639528927142234348noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2120540420978242189.post-78411064797736344312010-11-10T22:41:00.000-08:002010-12-14T15:00:52.550-08:00Reading and families with pre-school children. Survey No 2, 2010. ::The State Library of Victoria is running a survey of parents with children under school age. I've done it - it's very straight forward, unintrusive and only took about 5 min to complete. Participants will be entered in a draw for $500 worth of books. Sounded good to me!<a href="http://polling.nationalforum.com.au/index.php?sid=43299&lang=en">Reading and families with pre-school children. Survey No 2, 2010. ::</a> (This survey is now closed - Antonia)antoniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11639528927142234348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2120540420978242189.post-81175546441285438492010-11-10T17:17:00.000-08:002010-12-14T15:01:30.104-08:00Reading Rockets: What teachers say, what parents hearThis link goes to the heart of Parent Teacher Kinight's initial purpose. I wonder if we can think of some more "What teachers say - What parents hear" scenarios? What have been your experiences of parent teacher interviews? I've now had the opportunity of sitting on both sides of the table, and trust me both seats can be very uncomfortable!<br />
<a href="http://www.readingrockets.org/blog/39490?utm_source=Hootsuite&utm_medium=Twitter&utm_campaign=RR">Reading Rockets: What teachers say, what parents hear</a>antoniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11639528927142234348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2120540420978242189.post-7494951237801765852010-10-26T16:16:00.000-07:002010-10-26T16:16:49.462-07:00My Favourite Childcare Book<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xJXpnwEDL_Y/TMdgxcYqajI/AAAAAAAAAAw/9r-preVE5dY/s1600/abcchb_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nx="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xJXpnwEDL_Y/TMdgxcYqajI/AAAAAAAAAAw/9r-preVE5dY/s320/abcchb_web.jpg" width="210" /></a></div><em>The Australian Baby and Child Care Handbook</em>, by Carol Fallows, is the book I keep coming back to. It <em>is </em>full of commonsense and pragmatic information and advice. It <em>isn't </em>filled with silly, overexaggerated, attempting to be funny anecdotes about one person's pregnancy experiences (a la Kaz Cooke's <em>Up the Duff</em>, which I acknowledge is very amusing).<br />
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This handbook does deal briefly with pregnancy and birth,however, as its title suggests, its main focus is on childcare. Topics covered include preparing for babies on a budget, (and how refreshing to read a book that does not encourage you to buy all sorts of unnecessary gadgets and gear for the newborn!), stages of development and how to play with your baby, (again, without encouraging parents to buy heaps of <em>things</em> - Fallows is adamant that for the first six months, a baby's favourite toy is his or her parents.) There are also lots of ideas about what sort of games children at different ages like to play. I often dip into it for inspiration about activities to play outdoors, or using music, or ways children can help with household tasks. (I have also found it invaluable for ideas about dealing with behaviour issues like whinging, sibling rivalry and dawdling!)<br />
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Some of the features I like in <em>The Australian Baby and Child Care Handbook </em>are the developmental tables which indicate what most children should be able to do by ages in terms of motor skills, language and cognitive development. There is a comprehensive and easily understaood section about first aid and common childhood ailments, as well as a long appendix of support services available state by state. (Although because I have the second edition, which was published in 1998, many of these resources don't have a website listed - it may be time for an updated edition....). There are brief but unobtrusive anecdotes from real parents on the sides of most pages, which you can read if you want to. They do help the reader gain perspective and realise that raising children is a 'the same but different' for everyone.<br />
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Breastfeeding and weaning are covered, as is preparing first foods and dealing with fussy eaters. There is some very sensible advice about adjusting to new parental roles and relationships, as well as organising one's time and home, and creating a safe environment for babies and toddlers.<br />
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I love this book's comprehensiveness and its sensible, friendly and supportive language. I would recommend it to all new and expectant parents as an invaluable family resource. (I just wish it had a sequel that dealt with school aged children!)<br />
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Buy or Borrow? Buy buy buy! Worth its weight in gold!antoniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11639528927142234348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2120540420978242189.post-40991742110853610512010-10-21T04:12:00.000-07:002010-12-14T15:01:56.156-08:00Steph BoweI heard Richard Eady interview Steph Bowe on Radio National's <em>Life Matters</em> last week. What an amazing young lady! Steph chose to exchange shool for distance education at a young age in order to have the flexibility to pursue her passion for writing. She has her blog in which she reviews recently published Young Adult fiction, as well as articles she's had published elsewhere. She has also publised a novel, <em>Girl Saves Boy. </em>I was so impressed by the interview I heard. Steph appears to be a delightful person, grounded, motivated and ambitious, without being in the least pretentious nor cynical.<br />
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I spotted <em>Girl Saves Boy</em> in our local high school library the next day, (my son is in the chess club - I don't just randomly hang around school libraries checking out teen fiction!), and couldn't resist a look. I read the first 30 pages or so, and was completely absorbed. It's really good; well written, with interesting, complex characters meeting in dramatic, yet believeable circumstances. I am looking forward to chess next week so I can read some more...<br />
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If like me, you are feeling a little bored with adult fiction at the moment, it might be time to go back and investigate teen fiction (or YA as it's known today). There has been plenty of great fiction published since we were teens. Have you read John Marsden's <em>Tomorrow When the War Began</em> series? Or Paul Jennings' <em>The Nest </em>(nothing like his short stories). Morris Gleitzman has been busy since the days of <em>Blubbermouth </em>and <em>Worry Warts.</em> YA fiction is worth (re)visiting. Which authors would you suggest?antoniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11639528927142234348noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2120540420978242189.post-58838009645930219692010-10-21T03:34:00.000-07:002010-12-14T15:02:35.805-08:00Steph Bowe's Hey! Teenager of the YearThis is Steph's blog. She reviews recently published young adult fiction titles. Her reviews are thoughtful and well written, she writes with a very authentic voice. This blog would be a great resource for teachers, librarians, parents or anyone looking for inspration about good books for teens. <a href="http://heyteenager.blogspot.com/">Steph Bowe's Hey! Teenager of the Year</a>antoniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11639528927142234348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2120540420978242189.post-42597400566586727912010-10-21T03:28:00.000-07:002010-12-14T15:03:05.686-08:00Steph Bowe: published at 16 - Life Matters - 18 October 2010This is the interview which sparked my interest in this remarkable young writer. I will also post a link to her blog. <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/rn/lifematters/stories/2010/3023092.htm">Steph Bowe: published at 16 - Life Matters - 18 October 2010</a>antoniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11639528927142234348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2120540420978242189.post-25650299283886824942010-10-17T18:58:00.000-07:002010-10-17T18:58:44.723-07:00Michael Grose - 'Thriving' on our insecurities...Yes, I agree, that's a harsh title...but it serves a purpose. Firstly it fulfils my pathological addiction to groanworthy puns; secondly it introduces Michael's most recent book; and thirdly it sums up the the discomfort I feel about the way Michael Grose appears to be utterly commercially driven.<br />
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Michael Grose is an Australian parenting guru, who has been steadily churning out books, DVDs, parenting programs, seminars, syndicated newspaper columns, school newsletter inserts and more recently a blog and e-newsletter. He has been writing for at least the past 20 years, and his own children are now grown up, and making their own way in the world. His books include <em>Raising Happy Kids, Great Ideas for (Tired) Parents, One step Ahead: Raising 3-12-year-olds</em>, and, most recently, <em>Thriving:Raising Exceptional Kids with Confidence, Character and Resilience. </em>His books are available through mainstream bookshops, and his webpage, Parenting Ideas, (there's a link on the right hand side of this page). Most libraries also have a copy or two of some of his books.<br />
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My husband heard Michael inteviewed on the Radio National <em>Life Matters</em> program earlier in the year, and was impressed enough to mention it to me, and to remember the title of the book. This was a strong enough recommendation for me to go out and buy the book. And I'm glad I did. But I wouldn't buy another one unless it was on special. I'll explain why soon.<br />
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<em>Thriving</em> is acessible and enjoyable. It sets out Michael's theories about parenting, which are fairly straightforward and uncontroversial: we should focus on nurturing a family rather than needy individuals, children should pitch in and help out from an early age, parents are boss but corporal punishment is inappropriate, etc etc. He justifies these and gives helpful strategies for achieving them.<br />
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The book is astutely structured. The first chapter is dedicated to explaining the importance of balance in parents' lives, as opposed to becoming a martyr to our children. (He had me onside immediately!). He suggests that our order of priority should be 1.Me 2.My marriage/partnership 3.My family. After disscussing the importance of building one's own resilience as a parent, the book is divided into sections on building confidence, developing character and promoting resilience in kids - all worthy aims.<br />
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<em>Thriving</em> is well written, easy to read, undogmatic, and presents some good ideas, and if I was to buy only one Michael Grose book, this would probably be a good one to choose (being the most recently published, it would also be the easiest to source too!). But I think this one would be enough, as I am quickly discovering through my further reading of his books and online publications, the information and ideas in Thriving are not all that different from his earlier work. I borrowed <em>Great Ideas for (Tired) Parents</em> from my local library, and discovered that although it was first published almost 20 years ago, all the underlying ideas and suggestions are the same as presented in Thriving. Michael's thinking doesn't appear to have evolved or refined to any great extent in 20 years. He is just repackaging and reselling the same ideas, which is probably very commercially astute, but I feel it is a little unethical.<br />
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His website is worth a quick look, it is divided into sections for parents and educators, and there is a sale on this week.<br />
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Verdict: Buy or Borrow? ......Borrow! (But worth reading)<br />
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Next week: The parenting book I have found most useful during my children's 'early childhood' phase...antoniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11639528927142234348noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2120540420978242189.post-6454214282109776802010-10-13T17:25:00.000-07:002010-12-14T15:03:21.751-08:00Tripod - 'Bard' LyricsThis is the closing song from <em>Tripod vs the Dragon, </em>which I feel encapsulates the spirit of the kids (and adults) who play/ed D&D.<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><strong>Bard</strong></div>Meet you by the art room door<br />
In a circle on the hallway floor<br />
Teacher held you back again<br />
Drawing ogres in your textbook margin<br />
Keeping your eyes down and dodging oranges<br />
On the bus trip home<br />
Every day you're battle-scarred<br />
You'll grow up to be a bard<br />
You'll grow up to be a bard<br />
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Hurt yourself at sports again<br />
You're not made for mud and wind<br />
Limping home through quiet streets<br />
Sprinkler spits a snare drum beat<br />
Kids down on the vacant block threw rocks at you<br />
For talking to yourself again<br />
Days like this are way too hard<br />
You'll grow up to be a bard<br />
You'll grow up to be a bard<br />
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You'll tell your own daughter stories<br />
She'll get some dice of her own one day<br />
They can trademark the name all they like<br />
It's all ripped off Tolkien anyway<br />
'Cause dragons and dungeons go way back<br />
They go back a long, long way<br />
And they won't go away<br />
They won't go away<br />
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Meet you by the art room door<br />
In a circle on the hallway floor<br />
Made up a new map last night<br />
It's got a dragon and a wizard fight<br />
Once the ranger and the theif get here<br />
We can lock the door<br />
Shut the noise out from the yard<br />
then we can let down our guard<br />
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You'll grow up to be a bard<br />
You'll grow up to ...<br />
You'll grow up to be a bard<br />
You'll grow up to...<br />
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<em>Lyrics provided by LyricsMode.com</em>antoniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11639528927142234348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2120540420978242189.post-62726657720260013802010-10-13T14:22:00.000-07:002010-12-14T15:03:44.411-08:00D & D rules O.K.!This is the message of Tripod's hilarious show <em>Tripod vs the Dragon</em>, which I saw last week. For the uninitiated, D&D is Dungeons and Dragons, a role playing game (real life, in the broadest sense as opposed to virtual/second life type role playing....), that was very popular amongst a certain demographic during my highschool days, the late 80s/early 90s. The typical D&D player was male, smart, apparently quiet, secretly funny and is now employed by multinational engineering firms, software companies, insurance companies or google. And up to three of them, I suspect, have formed Tripod!<br />
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D&D is played using a pair of 20-sided dice, and a series of very complex instruction manuals which are referred to constantly as the players choose characters and establish their strengths and weaknesses in areas such as courage, intelligence, fighing ability, loyalty etc. A quest is undertaken, with the random rolling of the dice determining the characters' fates and degrees of success in achieving their goals. As you can imagine it is very complicated, and games could last many days! I have fond memories of a group of boys in my class at school who could usually manage to find a quiet, warm corner to settle into with their dice, rule books, and complex, specialised jargon.<br />
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This is the culture embraced and celebrated in <em>Tripod vs the Dragon</em>. A trio of male friends, now adults, meet weekly for an afternoon of Dungeons & Dragons, dropped off by their wives with plentiful supplies of soft drink and chips. They, and the audience are drawn into their quest, and follow their adventures. The set is quite sparse, an armchair, a keyboard and a huge white sheet suspended midstage. The story is told through song and semi-scripted comic patter. Being comedians, Tripod engage in repartee with the audience, and it isn't always clear what is spontaneous and what is planned. Much of the action is presented through shadow effects with lights on either side of the sheet. The effect is brilliant, so simple yet innovative and hilariously entertaining.<br />
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I won't tell you much about the story, suffice to say that it's a fairly standard quest of our heroes (a priest, a magician and a fughter who wants to be a bard), seeking to destroy a dragon, having adventures of the mind, body and heart on the way....<br />
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The closing song epitomises the message or, if you like, the moral of the story, that it's ok to be a 'nerd', and have specialised, eccentric hobbies and pastimes; it is possible to transcend a highschool life of being a library refugee, but do you really want to? As someone who was friends with D&D players at school, (despite never being invited to play), I was filled with a warm nostalgic glow! A night of happy, rather than cruel or sarcastic, laughter was just what the doctor ordered! I came out feeling refreshed and uplifted.antoniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11639528927142234348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2120540420978242189.post-33431162517786700062010-10-12T20:01:00.000-07:002010-10-12T20:01:37.976-07:00Taking Shape and Taking AimI am back in the blogosphere after a very busy holiday. We began with just a few science workshops booked at our local library, but the days quickly filled with visits to and from friends and relatives, days at the beach, and explorations in Brisbane. The fun continued for the adults as we had a night away to see the hilarious musical comedy "Tripod vs the Dragon", which features my current favourite singer Elana Stone (see the link below) as the dragon. It was a fabulous show. In fact I might just do a post about it later this week, and if you're wondering how it could possibly be relevant (aside from the obvious Knight vs Dragon puns - groan), all will be revealed soon!<br />
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I am working to establish some sort of form to the substance in the blog, and will be introducing some regular features: <br />
<strong>Monday's Experts</strong> will review and critique the works of various parenting, educational or social commentators. I've got Michael Grose, Maggie Hamilton and Steve Biddulph in my sights at the moment. Let me know who or what you would like me to read on your behalf too!<br />
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<strong>RANTonia</strong> will give me a chance to let off steam about current or enduring issues that irk me.<br />
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<strong>Stories from the Chalkface</strong> will feature guestbloggers from the world of education, writing about a topic of their choice. If you are a teacher or a teacher type person, I'd love to hear from you.antoniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11639528927142234348noreply@blogger.com0