For the next generation

I really feel 'for the next generation' is great catch phrase that has been adopted by Sony. It shows a great model to think about the ways we can combine our relationships with children/tamariki with how we use natural resources and how we can preserve natural resources and design a sustainable society both now and for the future.

Sony have a specific project entitled the “odo” project where they are designing eco toys that can tap into children's creativity, curiosity, and energy. In return, they offer new experiences, a sense of social consciousness and ecological values, and inspiration in forward-looking ways, which enhances their value even more. These toys are an invitation to enjoy a new level of interaction with devices, having fun moving parts, turning cranks, and using your body to generate energy as you play with them.

I believe every OSCAR programme can have such a project that makes use of all the rich recycled resources and natural materials found in all the four corners of Aotearoa. Best we have an Odo approach now so our children/tamariki are not left with an Odo future environment .

Juice box solar power battery idea
Collects sunlight by sticking it to a window using suction cups. After charging, fold it up as a portable battery for other eco toys.

Snaplock digital still camera idea
Powered by sticking one's fingers through the two holes and spinning the camera end over end. Because there is no LCD screen, the holes also serve as a viewfinder.

Watch out for an Odo workshop in 2011 in your region as the OSCAR Foundation contributes to a sutainable future for all our providers and everyone interconnected in programmes.

Julie

Maori Language Week

Do not forget it is Maori Language week Monday 26th July until Sunday 1st August.

A suggested website for more information is http://www.korero.maori.nz/news/mlw

The key message for the language this year is encouraging use in communities, and the theme this year is Te Mahi Kai – The language of food.

In Christchurch at our next Networking meeting on Thursday 5th August at the Fendalton Service Centre from 10.30am, I have organised someone to teach basic Maori language which can used within our programmes. Counting and general words we would use every day.

Amanda

Animal Policy Review

For those programmes reviewing their animal policy or those who haven’t reviewed it for a while, I would recommend the animal control website http://www.animal-control.co.nz/resources.htm for information and resources.

There is advice on what to do if an dog bites and how to react if you are challenged by an aggressive dog. You may also like to print off some of their information flyers and educational resources. This stay safe flyer is particularly informative and easy to follow http://www.animal-control.co.nz/StaySafe.pdf

If you know of any other informative websites please do post or comment below.

Anastasia

OSCAR's Got Talent

I have met some amazingly talented children during the first week of the holidays. I can recall spotting three of them in the 'time out' zone at their programme. These three children were placed there for basically not following staff instructions and asking 'why' during their adult initiated arts and crafts sessions.

When they were back in the programme, I observed them and quickly discovered some of their talent. Francois, aged 6, can draw amazing anatomically correct insects and animals, Michael, aged 9, can create these amazing cartoon caricatures – in a millisecond, and Levi, aged 10, loves and can create amazing geometric shapes and tessellation patterns, he used some shells for inspiration that I had brought along.

This got me to thinking about sharing an idea about 'uncolouring' in resources in your programme toolkits. Instead of your traditional photocopied pictures or colouring in books, these uncolouring in tools help to build children’s creativity and visualisation skills, and encourage imaginations to be used.

For example, instead of having a photocopied picture from Nemo, you would provide the children with a blank piece of paper, pencils, felts, rubber,water colour paints etc and a prompt such as 'You have found a carved wooden box while walking in the forest. Draw what you discovered when you opened the box' or 'You have just landed on planet Ooglieya. What do the aliens look like there?'

For the children who may not be used to this freedom, you can draw a prompt that they can develop, e.g. draw a piece of string and see what they create from that point.

Happy 'uncolouring' in everyone.

Julie

Top 5 FREE activities in Dunedin

1. Museum Trails - Pick up a backpack and have a search around the museum (backpacks available from discovery world info desk)
2. Beach Walks- Take a walk from St Clair to St Kilda through the ORC walkway.
3. Dinosaur Park - Great for all ages with a full playground and bike park including miniature roads. Remember your towels during summer just incase the whale is on.
4. Ravensbourne Cycle Way - A paved, fenced and safe way to go for a bike ride. Great scenery and plenty of places to stop for a breather. Don’t forget your sunscreen and water bottles as there is little shelter along the way.
5. Botanic Gardens - Playground, Aviary, Rose Garden, Walkways, Ducks to feed and sometimes a train. What more could you ask for in a free day out.

Kelly