Violent Movies and Games

After attending a regional cluster in Christchurch, a programme brought up the issue of children watching inappropriate DVD’s or playing inappropriate games while at home and then using the language or acting out these unruly behaviours at their programme.

Children practice the violent acts on others frightening or hurting one another. The other children attending the programme are then subject to inappropriate behaviours and attitudes beyond their years.

We talked about educating parents and giving them advice on what the effects of these games and movies have on children. Studies have shown that watching intense emotions in movies and games can leave a long lasting impact on one’s mind. In some games the character must become more violent to win, what is this teaching our children?

Games can confuse children between reality and fantasy, they do not know where to draw the line. Being aware of what types of games children are playing and what types of movies they are watching, especially what they are viewing on the internet. Be aware the titles are not always what they seem. It can help by setting boundaries, plus having the computer positioned in a main room of the house. By doing this they are less likely to explore what they are not supposed to be viewing.

A suggestion for programmes was to promote the use of age appropriate games only, or have a total ban on electronic hand held games within their programme time.

By providing and promoting the other wonderful and exciting opportunities that children can have and be a part of, they will soon forget their games well until they leave the venue anyway.

Amanda

Keep your staff safe

I was recently on the Department of Labour’s website brushing up on employee obligations - something we should be up to speed with - when my attention was grabbed by the media/news releases featuring on the website’s page.

The headlining article at the time, discussed a very upsetting boiler room incident in a school which lead to the death of a school employee. http://www.dol.govt.nz/Media/index.asp

The charges that were laid against the Auckland School were for one: under Section 6 of the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992: ‘Failing to take all practicable steps to ensure the safety of an employee while at work’ and two: under Section 16 of the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992: ‘Failing to take all practicable steps to ensure that no hazard that is in the place of work harms an employee of a contractor lawfully at work'.

With so much of our time and priority focused on the safety of the children, it is important not forget your staff and your legal obligations to them as their employer. They are ultimately responsible for the safety and well being of the children and, in turn, need to be safe themselves. From ensuring there is always a minimum of two staff on site, to completing regular health and safety and hazard checks of your venue/s, make sure you know your obligations and be sure to carry through on them.

www.dol.govt.nz
www.osh.govt.nz

Anastasia

Get involved in your community

Hi all, I hope everyone is enjoying the events that are on throughout the city and having a go at some of them.

Lots of things coming up in the month of March what with the Children's Day Expo’s happening around the country, the balloons over Waikato, rugby has started and I’m sure the children are excited about the coming Easter period.

Think about the things you can make to get the children involved in what’s happening around their community with regards to the coming events, if you have internet access at your programmes you could get the children to search for events in their town, you could collect the local paper and again engage the children to talk about what’s happening in their town or perhaps do something that relates to this event.

I visited a programme that had a colouring in competition running with regards to a coming event again engaging the children in what’s happening around their community. So come on one and all lets get involved in our communities!

Tania

Goodbye from Andrea

Many of you may have heard by now, that I have decided to resign as the National Funding Coordinator of the OSCAR Foundation. My last day is the 24th February 2010.

However, I did not wish to leave without wishing all of you good luck with your OSCAR services. Times have been hard in these days of recession and my heart went out to all those that had to make the difficult decision of closing their operations.

My many years as Funding Coordinator has always been a wonderful journey. The experiences I have gained, the understanding I have developed of the OSCAR sector and most of all the feelings of success I have been allowed to share with you when you have received a positive funding outcome has been my life and I have enjoyed every minute of it.

I shall miss you all, but will always remember you and thank you all for allowing me to assist. Your new National Funding Coordinator is Shaista Maqbool, who many of you already know and have met. I am very fortunate to be able to pass the reigns on to Shaista, as I know her heart and soul will be in it as well.

Thank you and my warmest regards to you all.

Andrea Smythe

Looking back to look forward

Reflecting on the past can help when looking to the future. One way to develop the future of your programme is to take a look at how far the programme has come. Think about how the programme began and why sometimes this is the grounding force of the programme other times things have changed so much that the reason a programme started is no longer relevant to how it is run today.

This time of year is a perfect time for the programme to review their history before the busy time of AGMs and end of the financial year. Take a look at your strategic plan if you have one and see how far you have come and dream a little about where you would like to be. When planning your strategic plan envisage what you would really like your programme to look like and then set time frames around how you would like to see this made. If you dream big you will achieve big and realising how far the programme has come can really help look towards the future.

Some of the dreams of others include staff visiting other programmes to see how they are set up, attending training at the OSCAR Foundation Conference or overseas conferences,.increasing the technologies of the programme from digital cameras to laptop computer labs, offering lessons from swimming to guitars. Many programmes dream about building such a self contained venue or a new kitchen. If it is not written down on the programmes strategic plan, these dreams can get lost.

If your programme has been running for a while, find out a little bit about when and where it started getting a history of your programme can inspire a fantastic future for your programme.

Ariana

Creativity and Enthusiasm

Life and CREATIVITY is all about OUR ENTHUSIASM...

It is being inspired - full of spirit. It is being cheerful and happy. It is doing something wholeheartedly, with zeal and eagerness - giving 100% to what you do. Being enthusiastic is being excited about something, looking forward to it. It comes from having a positive attitude. Enthusiasm is a positive attitude.

When you enjoy whatever you are doing, even the most unappealing job can be fun and you can use your imagination for finding ways to enjoy what you are doing. Your enthusiasm shines through your smile!

As I watched intently a great game of 20/20 cricket played by my daughter’s team in the glorious sun over the week end and strolled past thousands of people enjoying their step back in time with their Art Deco week end, I felt their enthusiasm and positive energy, it was sort of human electricity.

It led me to think about how I am going to be an enthusiastic catalyst in my OSCAR work? How can I spread the infection of enthusiasm ? It will be a fun challenge for me, starting right here, by asking you all to check your “enthusometers” today, fill up with the smiles of the children and family or friends around you and convert this into positives.

Then after beginning this blog, came a wee reality check, as I went for an early morning walk along the riverbank and was initially annoyed by the rubbish lying around and falling out of overfilled rubbish bins.

It created for me a chance to make an enthusiastic choice, so when back at home and having caught my breath, I really looked to see what I could recycle and reuse from my own rubbish, what creative projects would unfold.

Something is, with plastic bottles and simple cuts and folds, so watch this space!! If you have a creative idea or are looking for some new ideas, you would like to share or try, write about it here and be part of the enthusiasm infection…..it is the only infection I am happy to catch and spread :)

Julie

Celebrate Good Times

Children's Day is fast approaching. This year Sunday 7 March is New Zealand's national Children's Day and what better reason could there be to celebrate. All around the country communities have events planned for children and families to enjoy or you might like to plan something special for your OSCAR children, to to give them the opportunity to be the centre of the universe for a day.

Around the world countries and cultures celebrate their children in different ways. Many pacific nations celebrate White Sunday in October, where children dress in white and their parents serve them for the day, In China, people celebrate children in early June with a day off school, and in Japan and Korea there is a national holiday to celebrtae and teasure children. In many parts of Europe a day is set aside for community celebrations in parks, libraries, zoos and exhibitions.

Praise and encouragement are the themes for this year. We know that children love praise and will grow in confidence when we encourage and praise them. Every kind word of encouragement will help a growing wee star to shine even brighter.

There's still plenty of time to get something organised before March, whether its a picnic, a story afternoon, a kite day, an art dispaly, a swap the roles day, a "you choose" day, a talent show, a day in the life of OSCAR photo diary or a personal card to each child with a special individual message.

http://www.childrensday.org.nz/ will have local events listed and plenty of ideas to help you celebrate.

ENJOY!!!

And a funny for the day....
What do you call a deer with no eyes?? No idea!
What do you call a deer with no eyes and no legs? Still no idea!

Odette

Chinese New Year

Every year in New Zealand the Chinese community come together to celebrate their New Year. The New Year runs over 15 days with a series of events open to the general public to come and enjoy. If you are lucky enough to live in Auckland how about experiencing the wonders of the Auckland Lantern Festival at Albert Park 26-28 February, check out www.aucklandcity.govt.nz for more information.

Why don’t you consider having a Chinese New Year party at your OSCAR programme? You can provide a range of relevant activities for the children to participate in. I was lucky enough to visit a programme this week where the children were sitting around the craft table making brightly coloured paper lanterns, instructions on how to make these are easily found on the internet. They are a very easy project for all ages and can brighten up the OSCAR programme if strung together.

I am a huge fan of the National Geographic Kids website, they always have a fantastic selection of games, crafts and interesting facts for children. They also have an easy to follow recipe for fortune cookies which I am sure the children will absolutely love! Simply follow the link below, and remember to check the rest of that website out for other ideas too! http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/Activities/Recipes/Fortunecookie

Another idea is to make a fireworks art display. Making sure that you are working in a “mess-friendly” environment, use black canvas or card and get the children to flick PVA glue onto the black surface focussing on one area in particular. Cover the glue liberally with glitter, shake the excess off and repeat process on a different part of the project with a different colour. Continue repeating the steps until you are satisfied with your fireworks display.

Happy New Year everyone!

Susannah

Hiking In The Marlborough Sounds

I have just got back from a week's annual leave that my fiancee and I spent walking the Queen Charlotte Track in the Marlborough Sounds. While I can't say that hiking 71km was exactly relaxing, I certainly enjoyed myself and have come back refreshed and with renewed enthusiasm for the year ahead.

As I was hiking I was constantly reminded of how lucky we are to live in a beautiful country with the outdoors so readily accessible. Long climbs with my legs burning were rewarded with stunning views of the Sounds and when the track strayed closer to the sea I was unable to resist the urge to cool off with a swim. Not to mention the joys of eating delicious kai moana that had been gathered from the sea just minutes earlier.

This access to nature is an intrinsic part of being a Kiwi kid. I'm sure we all have memories of long hot summers spent outdoors (funny how it never seemed to rain when you were young!).

As OSCAR professionals we have the privilege of being part of the experiences that will form the memories of the youth of today. Take the opportunity to introduce the children in your programme to the great outdoors. This could be anything from a walk in the local park to an overnight camp, the point is to get out there and experience what Aotearoa has to offer.

Marnie

P.S. I encountered a weka for the first time during my hike - and it tried to steal my lunch. I'm quite intrigued by this cheeky and inquisitive native bird!

Greetings From The South

My name is Kelly, I am so pleased to be the new Advisor for Otago/Southland and am enjoying getting to know all the great programmes within my area.

As this is only week two for me I thought I would use my first blog session to introduce myself and tell you a little about me. I am turning the big 30 this week which I am not looking forward to, I have decided that 20 is the new 30 so am having a 20th birthday party and anybody who says otherwise will be in trouble.

I studied at Dunedin College of Education and Otago University obtaining my Masters in Education (Primary). Since finishing my study I have been running a teen parent unit here in Dunedin which I continue to do with passion and enthusiasm.

I have a nearly 9yr old son whom I am slowly unwrapping the bubble wrap from, three goldfish who just keep going no matter what and a puppy called Lawrence who is definitely the king of socks and shoes in our house.

Thanks to all the OSCAR team for making me feel so welcome and helping me settle into the role.

Kelly

Hokitika

During a recent trip to the West Coast, Ariana and I discovered an amazing display on the Hokitika beach front.

Just as you stepped onto the sand there was an entrance with roped off sections, which were being sold for $2.00 per site. The object of this exercise was to purchase a section and design houses for penguins. Most people had gone to a lot of work with lots of detail, using as many natural resources as the beach area provided.

On the main beach area several drift wood and stone structures were scattered across the sand as far as the eye could see. We took several photos just to show the size of some of the creations and the variety that were displayed. These amazing sculptures were created as part of a competition and were being judged. Hokitika was also spelt out with large pieces of drift wood just as you walk upon the beach.

Several of the local Holiday OSCAR Programmes came and visited and created their own pieces of art. This activity could be done in your own area, as an after school or holiday project.

Amanda

Outside the Box...

Warmest greetings,

On the ever topical theme of behaviour management I have witnessed an awesome, creative and easily actioned idea that really works! At a big, busy and diverse holiday programme recently I saw a table full of all sorts of cool toys, games and craft resources with prices attached.

Of course, the first thing I did was ask a staff member "What's this?" I was thinking maybe these things are for sale to raise funds for the programme, then I noticed the prices were high!I was so impressed to hear that children there are earning money (monopoly or home-made) for offering to help staff, helping other children with projects, homework etc, making good choices, sorting out their own issues by co-operating with each other - just about anything positive staff see happening. Once they have earned and saved a certain amount, they can then approach the table and purchase one of the great things on offer.

What a wonderful way to promote happy and healthy relations. While initially children may be on their best and most considerate behaviour to get something they want, in the long term this behaviour will become second nature having an extremely positive impact, not only on the programme but also in the positive development of the child.

It is important to remember that the children self instigate these acts of goodwill, staff do not offer them money to pack up or do the dishes. Children can easily work out the benefits of offering assistance or just behaving really well, knowing one of the staff are going to see and reward them for it. It was a real pleasure to see 40 plus children and youth in one space all doing their thing without incident and to see staff enjoying their time in the programme.

Kapai for this outside the box, creative thinking!

Sally

YouTubing

If you are reading this blog chances are you’re already somewhat internet savvy- and if you are anything like me you are always ‘googling’ for new activity ideas or the next playground craze. But have you tried ‘You-Tubing’ for ideas? http://www.youtube.co.nz/ is full of fantastic video footage to inspire and refresh your programme planning.

Search for science experiments and you will find some elaborate experiments as well as simple scientific activities that require no more than a bar of ivory soap and a microwave! My favourite scientist to YouTube right now is American, Steve Spangler http://www.stevespanglerscience.com/ You’ll find him educating and entertaining for both children and adults.

If you look up flash mobs, you’ll find numerous examples of dance mobs from around the world, with dance moves that children and staff could learn with relative ease. One of my favourite flash mobs clips would have to be the ‘Sound of Music Central Station Antwerp Mob’ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7EYAUazLI9k It’s catchy, fun and most importantly the music and moves are appropriate for children to learn.

Type in painting and you‘ll come across one minute painter Brandon Mc Connell, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0CFPg1m_Umg Now you may want to slow the pace down a bit, but another great idea to refresh your programming.

Little tip: Be careful not to breach any of your internet policies as you can’t always control the imagery that may pop up. Always view the entire clip yourself before allowing the children to view it and enlarge the clip to full screen to block out any ‘featured clips’ which feature in the side panel.

Happy and safe YouTubing everyone!

Anastasia

Events in Hamilton, New Plymouth & King Country

Welcome back all! Wow haven't we had some beaut storms lately and now the weather is hot and humid!

Still make the most of those barmy evenings in Waikato by enjoying the summer festival at the Hamilton Gardens. Outdoor movies, concerts, arts and crafts and of course the teddy bears picnic! Get the kids involved by creating their own mini festival or doing some artwork and having it on display for when the parents come to pick them up. They may even like to take Mum and Dad to have a look around their crafts or enquire at the gardens to see if they can be displayed! What better way to promote your programme while having a fun at the same time. Find out more at http://www.whatsonhamilton.co.nz

Taranaki you also have the WOMAD Festival coming up in March. Get the children involved by sharing in the cultural side of things, music, laughter and food what better way to share in this awesome and unique experience. Find out more at http://www.womad.co.nz/festival.htm

We wouldn't want to forget the King Country who have an awesome challenge coming up in March with the cycle challenge. So get those young ones out there learning about bike safety and perhaps even making some banners for the event. Find out more at http://www.kingcountrychallenge.co.nz/

All in all a busy couple of months event wise for the regions and who knows I may see ya there!

Tania

What The Treaty of Waitangi Means To Us

Tomorrow we all have time to think about the Treaty of Waitangi and what it means to us and for our work.

During my recent holiday programme visits I had lots of conversations with staff and kaiako, parents and whanau and children and tamariki. One particular conversation I can vividly remember and I feel is so valuable to pass on and share, was with an astute 10 yr old who was telling me all about her understanding of the Treaty of Waitangi, which she compared with three of her school values.

The Treaty of Waitangi is

• Partnership - I am going to help out my friends and family and they are going to look out for me
  
• Protection - I will be kept safe in my home and community from bad things and can be ME
  
• Participation - we all have a choice to be part of a team or part of an activity. Mine is the Hip Hop Happeners.
  

Her conversation touched and inspired me and I hope you can see its treasure as well. Children have a lot of thoughts and things to say about their community and society. I hope you take the time to listen and hear these on a regular basis as you are bound to be delighted and inspired and continually motivated by these connections.

Julie

Life Changes

Hi everyone! I hope you are all recovering well from your action packed Holiday Programmes and are gearing up for Term One activities. As one of the newbies to the OSCAR Foundation team, I am keen to get out and about and begin visiting programmes in my region.

A lot of changes have been happening in my life recently, I got married, started a new job and relocated to Auckland. With change comes a lot of new challenges and I continue to discover just how much our attitudes dictate how quickly and smoothly we adapt.

It is the time of year where children are possibly experiencing a lot of changes in their lives. Some are attending new schools, have new teachers and new classmates, some may even live in new towns or new homes. It is important as OSCAR providers to take this opportunity to ensure that children in our programmes are settling in well and adapting to their new circumstances.

Support them to have a positive outlook and to find the good in a situation. Maybe pair them up with a child who has already embraced change, then they may not feel so alone and they will also make a new friend in the process.

How a child learns to adapt to change dictates how they are likely to react to it as an adult so why not start encouraging them now to take it on as a positive challenge rather than a negative setback. As my mother always said, “It’s character building!”

Susannah

Volunteering

I have been sorting out some old boxes over the past few days and came across an award that I won a few years ago. My award was a youth volunteer award that I won in 2002 as a part of my work for the YMCA most of my work there was as a volunteer leader on holiday programmes which I started when I was fourteen.

This started to get me thinking about volunteering, the definition of which is unpaid for the benefit of the community, and done with one’s own free will. I spent a good part of my school holidays volunteering on holiday programmes, as young adult I was a tutor on training programmes and as an adult on committees and board of trustees. So why do we volunteer?

Well to be honest I volunteer when I think I have some kind of skill that will benefit the group, but I also volunteer when I personally benefit from doing so. For me over the years being a volunteer has been for friendship, meeting new people, benefiting my children/or family, knowledge or the opportunity to learning new skills.

Not all volunteers are involved for the same reason and all volunteers bring different skills to the organization. Making the most out of a person who volunteers will benefit the organisation and the person. The value of the volunteer is amazing they can offer so much often at a time when the organisation needs them the most such as when they are starting up or when finances are slim.

When you next have a volunteer at your OSCAR programme think about why they are there, how they can benefit from being a part of your organisation and how can your programme benefit from having a volunteer involved.

Take care of your volunteers.

Ariana

Summer Fun

Kia ora!!!

Wow, here we are back at school again. What a fabulous summer we are having!!! It might sound a little crazy but I am loving this rain. It's rained two days in a row at my place and I'm sure I can see the grass changing colour as the hours pass. It's been so hot and the rivers so dry that the sea or the pool seem like the only relief, and surprise, surprise that's what I've seen a lot of these holidays! I love the way our tamariki spend so much time outdoors , exploring and enjoying our world with their mates. It's you that makes that happen – so well done!

I know that you'll be keen to share some of your holiday stories and maybe some photos with your colleagues so there's a couple of networking events lined up in the coming weeks. Come and check out OSCAR in Mangonui or join colleagues for coffee in Whangarei. There's details in your latest OSCAR Foundation newsletter, the regional pages on our website and on the flyers coming soon.

Look after our littlies starting school this week, with lots of smiles and plenty of familiar things to do. Remember they'll need your help and patience as they find their feet in this new environment. Take care of mums and dads too, as they get back into the term-time routines.

Kia pai to rā - have a great day

Odette

Welcome To The New School Year

Hello everyone and welcome to the new school year. Exciting times for OSCAR programmes, as many before and after school programmes will have both new children to settle in and the return of familiar faces.

I have had a very enjoyable time over the summer, getting out and about visiting holiday programmes. It's been a mixed bag weather wise here in Wellington, with our "summer" seeing temperatures ranging from up to 25 degrees down to as little as 12 degrees some days. This has meant that programmes have had to get creative - I've seen beach trips replaced with indoor picnics, sports days changed to indoor Olympics, and scavenger hunts in the park switching to indoor treasure hunts.

The key to the success of these changes has been for the staff to remain enthusiastic. Children will take their cues from you, so make sure you remain positive and upbeat even if the weather isn't playing its part!

Thanks to all the holiday programmes I visited for making me feel so welcome and I look forward to seeing some before and after school programmes in action this term.

Marnie