OSCAR In The Regions

For the next generation

2010-08-04T15:19:00.002+12:00

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

2010-07-26T12:47:00.000+12:00

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

2010-07-21T12:49:00.000+12:00

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

2010-07-15T09:14:00.003+12:00

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

2010-07-14T09:02:00.000+12:00

Museum Trails - Pick up a backpack and have a search around the museum (backpacks available from discovery world info desk)
Beach Walks- Take a walk from St Clair to St Kilda through the ORC walkway.
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.
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.
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

Ten Free Family Activities in Christchurch in WINTER

2010-07-13T09:26:00.001+12:00

Mountain biking in either Bottle Lake Reserve or McLean’s Island
Walk/rollerblade/bike around Hayley Park
Visit a library in your area
Walk along the New Brighton Pier and explore the coastline
Visit the Art Gallery and then the Arts Centre
Walk the Bridle Path or Rapaki tracks
Explore the Gun emplacements on Godley head
Visit a playground
Admire the beautiful Botanical gardens and climb some trees
Visit the Christchurch Museum

Amanda

Weird, curly job interview questions

2010-07-07T09:29:00.000+12:00

I found this link (on yahoo.co.nz) about weird curly job interview questions, it’s a bit of fun but at the same time it may get you thinking about how and what you’re asking in your interviews.

http://nz.lifestyle.yahoo.com/b/nzlifestyle/2379/?page_is_popup=1&photo=13

Anastasia

Yumminess

2010-07-05T08:46:00.000+12:00

Add some 'yumminess' that the children can create on your menu for holiday programme snacks and meals.

A great alternative to lollies and sweets when you are cooling down after an active play session or just chillaxing together. Yoghurt & Juice Iceblock treats and one ingredient ice cream.

Iceblocks
Really simple you just need some fruit juice and natural yoghurt, and maybe some honey if you want extra sweetness. The fruit juice can be freshly squeezed from those oranges your neighbours gave you, cheaply priced kiwifruit or ripe bananas (well mashed up). Put the fruit juice into your moulds and leave to set, then fill up the mould with your yoghurt and leave to reset. This is best left for about 8 – 10 hours so they could be created one day and gobbled up the next.

Of course these flavours are unlimited really and can be created from everyone’s favourite. Perhaps this creates an opportunity for a team challenge, where groups can create their own recipes and delights. Everyone gets to taste test them and the overall supreme delight discovered.

My children made their favourites. One was berry, choco delight - frozen berries and choc yoghurt - and the other was mango crush – mango and natural yoghurt.

If you have your own yoghurt maker or can borrow a couple, this means you can make the yoghurt from scratch and is a great activity as well. Have fun.

For those children with dairy allergies etc, I would be using all sorts of seasonal fruits, layerer and frozen to have your own fruities and no one misses out.

The one ingredient ice cream
This was a revelation to me and I very much doubted it would end up being the delicious delight that it was. I was proved wrong. Bananas are the ingredient you need, the riper the better. They are whizzed and mixed for longer than you might for say a smoothie and they magically turn into this very light, white creamy treat. Once again you can add in other ingredients if you do not like the dominant banana flavour.

Have fun and I would love to hear about your results.
Julie

Bag of Tricks

2010-07-02T08:53:00.000+12:00

During the holidays it pays to have a few ideas and resources up your sleeve just in case. Many things happen; a late bus, an activity not lasting as long as you thought, the children are bored or you just want to jazz things up a little.

When on a programme I like to have a bag of tricks full of interesting things I can make into an exciting and interesting time filler. In my bag of tricks I carry:

A note pad and pencils
A Kush ball
Some balloons
A ball of wool
Tape
A rubber band
A beach ball
Some coins
A small pair of scissors or a Swiss army knife
A bandana
A rubber chicken ( or something similar)
A pack of cards

This group of resources gives me a vast array of activities I could potentially do with a group of children or an individual child.

You can set up a volleyball game do some drawing or play hangman, any number of card games or kicking or throwing games. One of my favourite is Chuck the chicken which is great for burning off energy for those boys. String games with the wool, balloon stomp or making some propeller toys using some natural resources also.

The options are limited only by your imagination all of this can fit into a small bum bag and you can add your favourite resources also.

Ariana

Zumbatomic

2010-06-30T09:54:00.000+12:00

Zumbatomic is Zumba specially designed for kids, and it is best suited for children aged 7 – 12 years of age. It is a part aerobic and part salsa dance class, an exciting and new way for kids to exercise and have fun while learning to dance. It is the newest exercise craze sweeping the country.

During the April School Holidays I visited several programmes taking part in this form of exercise. The children seemed to enjoy themselves and had lots of fun. Instructors should have an official certificate in Zumbatomic to teach this to children, as the exercise has been modified.

It is similar to the adults version, but the movements have been toned down and changed to suit younger participants. The music is exciting and motivating. If you have not tried it, give it a go, you will have lots of fun.

Amanda

Community Max programme expanded

2010-06-29T12:26:00.000+12:00

Last week it was announced that Community Max has been expanded in four target areas, Northland, Bay of Plenty, Waikato and East Coast, to make an extra 1500 places available. This is great news for organisations who have used Community Max to help with new developments and innovations including their OSCAR programmes.

Community Max provides a six-month placement for 16 to 24 year olds to work on community or environmental projects, where participants are paid at least the minimum wage and are eligible for training related to their project. It has enabled young people to gain experience, training, work and life skills.

Some young people have found that a taste of working with children at OSCAR and being engaged in their communities has set them on a new career path, launching them into training, education and an exciting future.

Check out whether you or someone you know could benefit from Community Max
http://www.workandincome.govt.nz/community/a-z-grants-and-other-help/community-max.html

Odette

Matariki

2010-06-28T14:20:00.004+12:00

Matariki is a small but distinctive star cluster whose appearance in the north eastern pre-dawn sky in late May, early June marks the start of a new phase of life.

Matariki can be translated in two ways – Mata Riki (Tiny eyes) and Mata Ariki (Eyes of God). Either way the eyes are thought to watch over the land and its people.

As well as marking the start of a new year, Matariki also signals other new beginnings. The New Year is a good time to reflect on your place in the world, to reawaken old skills or try out new ones and to set new goals.

How can you plan or mark Matariki?

Organise a gift to a charity (even 'time' is a gift).
Do something nice for somebody.
Gather food from your garden and give it away.
Prepare a Matariki feast.
Call family and friends together to celebrate.
Organise a concert.
Hold a dance or party to celebrate.

There are plenty of Matariki activities, celebrations and gatherings happening during June and July. Have a look at your local council website for more information.

Kelly

Supporting Our Sportspeople

2010-06-25T14:01:00.002+12:00

Congratulations to the All Whites! Though they didn't make it into the second round they are still unbeaten and, as far as the country is concerned, winners who should be proud of the achievements they have made. Rock on Ricky and the boys!

We now head into another round of rugby with the All Blacks to play Wales again tomorrow and the NZ Maori's win again England. Oh and the signing of Sonny-Bill Williams to Canterbury (we saw that happening didn't we).

Perhaps it's time to once again get in behind our fellow sportsman and, no matter the outcome of next years Rugby World Cup, be proud of the fact that our country will be hosting perhaps one of the most watched sports events in the world.

The All Black Roadshow is a good way to get the kids out to see those All Blacks in your hometown www.mastercard.com/nz/personal/en/roadshow. Take advantage of this opportunity to support our boys as they work towards the goal of winning the prized Cup.

But reflecting on the All Whites and their return from their World Cup, lets show our pride in what they have done by cheering them on via the many social media channels that we use today. If you get to be at the airport when they arrive home, be sure to cheer them on that personal face to face stuff is still so very important.

Kia Kaha, Kia Toa.

Tania

Shopaholics Beware

2010-06-24T16:19:00.002+12:00

My favourite store to find lots of barging gems at is… ‘Look Sharp’, I could spend hours in here! Believe it or not it’s not clothing store but more of an Emporium.

It’s up behind Whitcoulls on Victoria St West, Auckland CBD. If you can’t make it into town or don’t’ live in Auckland check out their online store.

www.looksharpstore.co.nz

Happy shopping.

Anastasia

'Leave' It All Up To You

2010-06-22T15:21:00.000+12:00

The myriad of beautiful colours in the autumn/winter leaves is a highlight of this season. Colourful leaves may be even more attractive than flowers. Choosing which leaves to preserve is a great activity for the children and, being closer to ground level, they often have a better view.

To make a great indoor display from autumn leaves, it helps if you dry or preserve the leaves first. Luckily this is easy to do and here are a couple of basic tips for pressing and saving leaves.

Choose leaves that are relatively flat, not curled.
Look for leaves that aren’t spotted or bumpy.
Don’t be afraid to try leaves in various stages of changing colours.
The drier the leaves, the better they press. More supple leaves, like magnolia and rhododendron, are good candidates for silica gel preserving.

Silica gel is that white powder that looks like salt. It comes in tiny packets in everything from shoe boxes to vitamins to keep things dry. It is great at absorbing moisture and it speeds up the drying process considerably. You can find silica gel in craft shops like Spotlight or, if you’re like me, you can save and combine all those tiny packets of silica gel that come your way.

To dry leaves...

Select leaves that are still somewhat moist and supple. Silica gel will allow you to dry slightly thicker leaves too.
Place about a 3cm layer of silica gel in the bottom of a microwaveable dish.
Place the leaves flat on top of the silica gel leaving space between the leaves and the sides of the dish.
Completely cover the leaves with another 3cm layer of silica gel.
Place the uncovered dish in the microwave oven and microwave at medium for about 2 minutes.
Let it cool and remove the leaves.

It’s hard to give exact times for this because it depends on the size of the dish, how many leaves you have in the dish, how much silica gel is used and the power of your microwave. In my kitchen, 3-4 leaves in a microwaveable, recycled meat type pan with 1-2 cups silica gel takes about 2 minutes on medium.

Julie

Importance of taking photos

2010-06-21T15:11:00.000+12:00

I have been in the OSCAR sector now for around 18 years and over those years there has been a lot of photos taken; some of these still exist in programmes today. Yes there are some very unfortunate hair cuts but a lot of good memories as well.

Taking photos is an ideal opportunity of marking important events that take place in your programme. They also give a visual impact to promote your programmes and hold a visual history of your programme.

Kids enjoy looking at photos of themselves and friends also children can relate to their friends in the photos. Some programmes I visit have a giant pin board covered in photos from the programme. Others have their photos in photo albums for people to flick through. Some programmes have a slide show of photos playing at their programmes for parents to look at when they pick up their children.

Keep a collection of photos on hand to use for promotions in the media and try and keep electronic copies also if possible. When using photos of children, and even adults, get permission to use them and let them know that you are using their photos. Keep all permission forms on file for as long as possible because 20 years down the track you may want to use that photo for promotional material.

Digital cameras are relatively cheap these days and easy to use so invest in some today and start clicking away.

Ariana

Museums

2010-06-18T11:25:00.002+12:00

It is always difficult to find new and exciting places to take your children during school holiday programmes that do not completely blow the budget! One great place to visit is the museum.

There are many different museums and art galleries throughout the country that cater to different themes and exhibitions. Some museums only focus on one area and others have exhibitions changing constantly.

It is a good idea to keep tapped into your local museums, they will even send out email updates if you join their mailing list. This will keep you informed on any new exhibitions coming up. Children particularly love the interactive exhibits and most museums and galleries provide group tours as well.

http://www.nzmuseums.co.nz/ is an excellent site with all the different museums through New Zealand including a search programme, venue biographies with plus current exhibits. There may be some local museums that you haven’t even heard of! Check it out today!

Susannah

Go The All Whites

2010-06-17T09:23:00.001+12:00

What a fantastic game, I have to admit though after Slovakia got their goal within the first 5min of the second half my heart dropped and I nearly went to bed but I am so glad I didn’t what a wonderful result.

It made me think how many times do we put our expectations both high and low on children and don’t see past what we believe they are capable of. Even the commentator last night was resigned to the fact that we were going to lose he was saying “well at least we made it to the World Cup this time” and “they did well to defend during the first half we just don’t have the experience to complete the game”.

How many times have we doubted the underdog in their ability to succeed? Maybe a child will surprise us, especially if we believe they can.

I will leave the last words to 28 year old striker Rory Fallon “We’ve been in the ashes for quite some time and we’ve been waiting to rise up, tonight we did”

Have a wonderful week in OSCAR everybody and bring on Italy!
Kelly

Play again tomorrow

2010-06-16T08:07:00.001+12:00

Life’s full of those little moments where you think you’ve got it sussed and then something comes along and makes you think again.

I hadn’t watched a game of tackle bull-rush for a while – and watching one this week was full-on! I admit I had to grimace and look away on more than one occasion and whince and mumble “ aaargh! Oooo! Mmmm!” under my breath.

Our kids are tough little things. It’s blowing a cold southerly and yet they are out on the sideline in shorts and bare-feet ready for their turn to take on the tacklers and race to the other side. If they’re not fast or tricky enough they’ll be stopped and thrown roughly to the ground, with several bodies on top.

I watch as their eyes shimmer with terror and they start on a sprint faster than they knew was possible. Yep. There were tears, a few punches were thrown, calls of ‘unfair’ and bruised bodies dragged themselves from the field. Much as I struggled to watch those determined young ones throw themselves to the lions, they will no doubt line up to play again tomorrow.

Odette

Benefits of children having a pet

2010-06-15T09:28:00.000+12:00

Pets can help children understand life’s big lessons, and having a pet forces us to care for another being. Here are five ways children can benefit.

1. Confidence. Some children feel pressure to conform and many feel judged on their appearance, personality etc. Pets do not judge, they are delighted to be in your company and its acceptance of you is unconditional.

2. Empathy: Children learn empathy via their pets, initially through curiosity about the way their pets feel. This leads to a greater engagement in the world around them.

3. Resilience: Children who experience traumatic events in their lives generally cope better if they have a pet to confide in. A pet can offer stability when people around them are in turmoil, and therefore help children cope with change.

4. Communication: Children learn to read and look out for their pet’s body language to determine whether it’s happy, sad, wants food or interaction. They can use this knowledge when dealing with people.

5. Nurturing Skills: Having a pet gives children a chance to learn how to care for another. Keeping their pet groomed, happy and healthy teaches them the importance of doing the same for themselves.

Amanda

Influenza

2010-06-14T08:54:00.000+12:00

It’s the time of year when nasty bugs and illnesses are about. The following is Ministry of Health information about influenza, minimizing risks and who to contact should you have any queries or concerns.

Signs and symptoms of the Influenza virus can include: fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. If you have symptoms stay at home until essentially well, that is not sneezing and coughing as this is how the virus spreads (usually well again around three to four days after symptoms start).

Staff and children should not attend OSCAR programmes if they are displaying any of these symptoms, please be vigilant in informing parents and caregivers that unwell children can not attend while they are ill.

Reducing the risk of infection is very important; regularly clean flat surfaces such as bathroom sinks, desks and table tops where germs can live for up to 48 hours. Wipe them down with a household disinfectant.

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and put your used tissue in a bin. Remember to wash your hands afterwards and avoid touching your nose, mouth or eyes as germs spread that way. It is a good idea to have tissues on site and available for use, also displaying signage about Influenza and reducing the spread of infections are good reminders to everyone in the programme.

If you have any queries or concerns see your GP or contact The Ministry of Health for further advice:

Phone Healthline toll free on 0800 611 116 or check out their website www.moh.govt.nz
For immunization advice and details call the Immunisation Advice Line toll free 0800 466 863

Wishing you all a healthy winter
Sally

Attention all shoppers!

2010-06-11T08:14:00.001+12:00

Programme providers in Auckland have been talking to me about a new and unique supermarket discount store that has opened up in Auckland and Wellington. Take a look at http://www.reducedtoclear.co.nz/

Now I take no responsibility for what you may or may not find in here, but it’s certainly worth a look. Happy shopping!

Anastasia

Quiz Time

2010-06-10T09:08:00.000+12:00

Who loves quiz's? Most people like to think they know the answers to most quiz's and it is kinda fun to have a quiz and see if you get the answers right or not. So why not have a week of quiz's for the children at your afterschool programme, or if you run a holiday programme you could have a quiz day with funny fun facts or silly subjects.

Search the internet or your local library for your quiz question, or ask the children to submit some fun facts and perhaps even have some prizes for the best trivia or join the trivia to activities, like how many colours in the rainbow....now draw one.

All in all it will be a whole lot of fun for indoor activities at this time of the year.

Tania

Rainy Day Discoveries

2010-06-09T07:39:00.000+12:00

Cleaning out my pantry ended up being quite a creative adventure with my 13 yr old. We found some gelatin needing to be used, and so we made some gelatin air fresheners in some small recycled baby food jars.

You need:
1/2 cup hot water
½ cup cold water
2 sachets gelatin
1 tablespoon of salt
A few drops of food colouring
A few drops of essences or fragrant oils – we chose vanilla essence, peppermint essence and lavender oil.

You mix the gelatin in with the hot water until all dissolved. Add in your 1 Tablespoon salt, 1/2 cup cold water, your food colouring and mix well. Then pour into your jar, add in your fragrance and stir. Let it sit 2-3 days. Do not refridgerate. Enjoy the smells.

I made one for my car as well and my daughter made one for her sports shoes bag and punched a few holes in the jar lid and voila.

Other ingredients we used for this rainy day adventure created raro sherbet, choc chip lip gloss, bath bombs and salt scrubs…

Julie

Emergency Procedures

2010-06-08T08:08:00.000+12:00

We’ve had some pretty interesting weather lately with some areas experiencing some serious flooding. During a cluster meeting last week I got ‘the call’ from my daughter’s school. My husband and I were both an hour away. The school was sending children home due to flooding in the area, luckily we were easily contactable and we had a friend closer to home that was able to collect my daughter from school. Unfortunately not all parents where as easily able to be contacted and it has been a timely reminder to ensure that all emergency contact information is current and kept up to date.

Tips for emergency procedures

Ensure all information is current and up to date
You could test emergency contact information by doing a call around
Keep contact details offsite just in case you cannot access your facility
Do a threats analysis to identify potential risks
Practice your evacuation and lock down drills
Be prepared to care for children in the instant that parents are unable to collect their children
Think about staffing and who and how children will be cared for if parents are unable to collect their children

Review your emergency procedures and be prepared for any emergency in the instance that it affects your programme this winter.

For more information see:
www.getthru.govt.nz
www.civildefense.govt.nz
www.whatstheplanstan.govt.nz

Ariana

Goals

2010-06-03T12:23:00.002+12:00

In a recent blog I talked about setting goals and achieving them. Well I did it. I stepped outside my comfort zone and competed in my first Bodybuilding Competition in Australia. I trained hard, ate the right food and followed my amazing trainers guidance. I wore a bodybuilding bikini and stepped on stage in front of several hundred people and posed.

What an amazing feeling! I achieved my goal doing something I never thought I could do. But I loved it. I felt confident and made the most of the time I had on stage. If you are interested http://www.gofigure.co.nz/ has photos. (I am pictured in the Physique section and in the New Zealand team photos.)

My next goal is to compete again on the 25th September in Christchurch and placing in the top three would be amazing. So I am having two weeks off and then back into it. I am going to work hard to achieve my next goal.

Life is short so make the most of opportunities you have and set yourself goals and work towards them. Start small, you never know what you can achieve if you put your mind to it.

Amanda

Emotional Risks

2010-06-02T08:26:00.000+12:00

I love the way that a simple comment from someone can set you thinking about something in an entirely new way. In a discussion at Conference, I found myself talking with a group about children’s safety and about our role in attending to children’s physical and EMOTIONAL safety.

We’ve talked a lot about children taking physical risks and the learning potential of these experiences. Within our social world and relationships we take risks too. Encountering risk is not always about stretching our physical limits. When children are taking risks with their social development there will be plenty of times when things don’t go quite as they planned. Perhaps as they attempt to resolve a conflict themselves or try a new way of approaching a group of children they wish to join there may be times that end in arguments, feeling left out, hurt, tantrums or simply not getting what they want.

From the outside things like this might look disruptive, unfair or even like misbehaviour, but if we think ahead to what we really want for our OSCAR children, we want them to be confident to manage themselves in whatever situation they find themselves in.

“Risk” is when the outcomes are not entirely predictable, and we learn to predict the outcomes with experience and understanding. Like most things in our life we learn from trying new things, from watching and listening, from reflecting on what worked and what didn’t and from “getting back on the horse” and trying again.

Odette

Riddles

2010-06-01T11:13:00.000+12:00

Riddles are always a fun way to get the children thinking on a rainy afternoon. Do a riddle a day or the whole lot at once, whatever works for you!

http://www.teacherneedhelp.com/students/riddles.htm

Have fun!

Susannah

Out of the Box Activities

2010-06-01T09:10:00.000+12:00

As I was trying to plan an interesting holiday programme with different activities and experiences for the children I came across a local access radio station that allows for groups to plan, produce and broadcast their radio programme.

How exciting for the kids, in week one we can start some planning, script writing and song selection then in week two we will do a trip to the station to learn how it is all done and broadcast our planned programme.

I am sure each area will have their own local access radio station which may offer the same type of deal but for Dunedin programmes visit http://www.toroaradio.co.nz/

I really enjoy finding different experiences for the children to add to my toolkit, email me if you have any more ‘out of the box’ ideas so I can share them with others.

Kelly

Exciting event and opportunity for Paeroa Children’s Carehouse programme participant

2010-05-31T15:18:00.001+12:00

The International Childart Foundation (ICAF) hosts the World Children’s Festival in Washington DC. This is a three day free, public event which takes place every four years. It is hosted to honour the Arts Olympiad winners from each American state and from nearly 100 participating countries.

The festival attracts around 10,000 attendees and is an important celebration for everyone to demonstrate their support for children and a better future for all. The festival’s educational programming integrates the arts with science, sport and technology for the promotion of creative, peaceful and healthy cultures.

Drawing upon ICAF’s Peace through Art approach. the instruction on festival’s first day (Health + Environment Day) is informational, spotlighting common concerns shared by children. The educational framework on the second day (Creativity + Imagination Day) is participatory, kindling children’s inherent talents and potential. The training on the third day (Peace + Leadership Day) is inspirational, encouraging children to embrace lifelong creativity and empathy and dedicate themselves to building peaceful, prosperous and healthy communities.

The New Zealand Children’s Art House Foundation is participating in this exciting opportunity. Our national winner is Ripeka Te Teira from the Paeroa Children’s Art House programme. Ripeka will be traveling to Washington DC for the Olympiad event June 2011 – well done Ripeka!

Sally

Feel Better Instead of Blue

2010-05-27T09:36:00.001+12:00

Everyone feels a bit 'blue' in the winter because the days are shorter and the weather is usually wet and cold.

I found these ten ways to beat the winter blues on the Suite 101 website, written by Sandra Williams.

Try out her ideas to beat your winter blues.
1. Get physical
2. Create something
3. Take a course
4. Have a neighborhood potluck meal
5. Meditate
6. Call an old friend
7. Go see a movie
8. Get a massage
9. Start a journal
10. Listen to uplifting music

Check these out in more detail

Tania

Welcome to National Youth Week.

2010-05-26T10:39:00.000+12:00

How are you going in connecting with youth in your OSCAR community?

Youth are full of creativity, energy and drive, dreams and hopes. We need to make the most of our opportunities to foster, encourage and develop these traits in all youth, as the future of our neighbourhoods, communities and world lies in their hands and hearts.

I believe we are all born with limitless opportunity and as we grow we have dreams and we work on refining our skills and our abilities to realise some of these dreams. Far too many young people are denied opportunities either because they do not have access to them, sometimes financially, or because they are never made aware of all the possibilities.

What have we done lately to empower our young staff or youth in our programmes and sector to expand their horizons? What have we done to celebrate their special qualities and successes

Youth is not an issue, but a real asset in OSCAR.

Julie

The OSCAR Foundation National Conference

2010-05-20T08:32:00.002+12:00

We are all on deck at The OSCAR Foundation National Conference so there will be no new posts until after Wednesday next week.

It is going to be a fantastic Conference in Wellington with lots of OSCAR providers coming from all over New Zealand, and some from Australia.

We are looking forward to catching up with everyone.

The OSCAR Foundation

High Tea Anyone?

2010-05-19T13:41:00.001+12:00

I enjoy a good cup of tea every now and then. I must admit I am a serious coffee drinker but there is nothing quite like a cup of tea. I like my tea natural without sugar or milk occasionally with a nice cup of Darjeeling I’ll have a dash of lemon.

My first experiences with tea were of drinking a cup of heavily brewed tea with milk and two sugars with my grandmother. My most amazing experience of tea was in Bath UK when I sort of stumbled into a high tea at the famous Pumphouse. I just wanted something to eat but I had missed the lunch time service only to be greeted by a grand piano and little cucumber sandwiches no crusts alongside beautifully decorated cakes and slices. It was an amazing experience.

I think high tea or some version of it is back on the menu for me anyway. I have taken my children to a high tea and their eyes widen as they saw the gorgeous array of treats laid before them. Have you ever been for high tea yourself? If not then get out some nice old tea pots some beautiful china and some cake plates if you don’t have any ask around or check out some garage sales some beautiful table clothes also.

Yes you could also have a high tea at your OSCAR programme too this maybe best suited to your after school have some beautiful music playing some well dress wait staff and china tea cups and of course this is the time when you practice your manners too.

For children who may not like tea, try an iced fruit tea, such as a berry or orange flavor add 4 tea bags to a pot of tea mix in a heaped spoonful of honey and add plenty of ice allow to cool. For treats a simple sponge dusted with icing sugar and piled with strawberries is always a bit of a hit. The Edmonds cook book always has some traditional treats you can make for the children. Just remember to make them little versions as they may want to try a little of everything.

One more tea experience I have had one that may have changed my tea drinking habits is when the local Network sent around a tea bag with every copy of their Newsletter. A cup of Lady Grey for myself and my colleague. We enjoyed it very much and have become very close friends. So enjoy a nice cup of tea today.

Ariana

OSCAR Conference

2010-05-18T12:11:00.002+12:00

It is not long to go now before the 2010 OSCAR Conference kicks off so I thought I would take this opportunity to wish everyone a safe journey to, around and home from Wellington. If you are driving please remember to drive sensibly and stop regularly for breaks and if you are flying into the capital let’s all hope that it is not too windy!

As for the weather, the forecast predicts that it will be showers and southerlies so remember to pack plenty of warm clothes. (I am starting to sound like my mother now!)

It is gearing up to be an amazing, inspiring and fun-filled weekend and I look forward to seeing you there!

Safe travels.
Susannah

Wellington - Host of OSCAR Conference

2010-05-17T13:43:00.000+12:00

I was visiting this website and found some interesting facts about Wellington, host of this year’s National OSCAR Foundation Conference.

Did you know that …

Wellington is the world’s most Southern capital.
It is also the only capital in the roaring forties!
Nearly all of Wellington’s residents live within 3km of the sea.
And the Wellington Airport is the busiest in the South Pacific – and because of the wind! Apparently it’s due to all the Aero Club flying.

See you all at this weekend’s Conference!

Anastasia

Pudding

2010-05-14T16:03:00.002+12:00

We know about chocolate pudding in a mug but have you heard of bread pudding in a mug? It is great if you tend to overindulge as it is a single serve and because you can get creative you can add your own twist to the recipe.

Ingredients:
1 egg, beaten
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp. sugar (optional)
1 slice of bread
optional favourites added (raisin, chopped apple, cinnamon, vanilla, whatever you would like in it)

Directions:
Break the egg into a mug, and beat the egg with a fork. Add the milk and sugar to stir (also optional ingredients then too), and then tear up one piece of bread into the mug, and with the fork, press the bread pieces into the egg/milk mixture to moisten the bread, (if there are optional ingredients, bring those ingredients up in with the bread so they are all mixed).

It usually only takes about 2 minutes microwave, but, depending on what type of bread used microwave for one minute, and then add 30 seconds until you see the bread pudding raising up over the mug about 1/2 inch, and it looks like it's going to crawl out of the mug, then it is definitely done.

My son likes using larger mugs, because he likes putting sugar or honey and milk on the pudding.

Kelly

Every child needs to have a little laughter

2010-05-13T14:32:00.001+12:00

I have just spent the last 30 minutes with my daughter having a laugh. Telling silly jokes, in silly voices, making faces and telling funny stories. We all need laughter in our lives.

On average, children laugh 200 times per day while adults laugh only 15 to 18. Laughter is good for a child’s mental and physical health. Encourage joy and laughter, tell jokes and silly stories, laugh at the crazy escapades and at yourself. Enjoy a little comedy either in your home or in your programme. You could include a joke of the day into your programme or hold an OSCAR comedy festival, hire a clown or even become clowns by having a clowning workshop. Have a laugh.

Our families favourite types of jokes are knock knock jokes and I have included some below.

Knock knock. Who’s there? Orange. Orange who?(Orange) Aren’t you glad I’m not a Banana.
Knock knock. Who’s there? BooBoo who? Don’t cry it’s only me.
Knock knock. Who's there? Sacha. Sacha who? Sacha lot of questions.
Knock knock. Who's there. Abba. Abba who? Abba banana.

Ariana

It's time to go home

2010-05-11T17:26:00.000+12:00

Yeehah. It’s been raining in Northland for 4 days. At first we celebrated, excited that we’d have water in the tanks, that our garden’s would grow and the grass would grow for our farmers and their stock. It’s been a gentle rain, just what we asked for but this afternoon there’s a wee break, the sun is trying to push through the clouds at the end of the day, a hint of what might be a fine day tomorrow.

And in this break in the weather the children are out, running, walking, on bikes and with balls. A group pass with a large dog, almost as tall as they are. I heard them coming well before I saw them, giggling and shrieking. They carry sticks and hit seedpods back into the gardens from which they have fallen. They scuff their feet through the thick autumn leaves and kick them ahead. The dog is intrigued by new smells and pulls them into the trees. There’s a man on a bike so they step back and gaze at his “high viz” top. There’s a black bird signing off for the day. And it’s time to go home!

Odette

Kidsfest

2010-05-11T13:03:00.003+12:00

Kidsfest is Winter Fun which began in 1992 and is still going strong in Christchurch. This year it is being held from Saturday 3rd July through to 16 July 2010, this is an annual event held here at various venues all over the region. This is also New Zealand’s biggest annual children’s festival aimed at children up to the age of 12 years.

This event is run by the Christchurch City Council on behalf of the Kids fest Charitable trust.
Kidsfest is where children can experience activities in areas such as Knowledge and Discovery, Art, Crafts, Creativity, Sports, Games, Adventure and Playing, Shows and Young Performers. A large range to suit a variety of children. My two children attended several different activities when they were younger and had a ball.

http://www.kidsfest.co.nz/

Amanda

Fundraising

2010-05-11T06:46:00.002+12:00

Ever thought about fundraising for your programme? What about volunteers? Do you have any and are you giving them the recognition they deserve?

Exult Fundraising is a great organisation that helps not for profit and community groups to glean ways in which to raise funds for your programmes, they also have workshops for working with Volunteers and other such ways to make raising money for projects easy.

Their website is http://www.exult.co.nz/ Check it out and have fun next time you have a fundraiser or hire volunteers.

Tania

On The Case

2010-05-06T21:36:00.003+12:00

I am not sure how many of you would have read books Michael Bond’s books based on Paddington Bear, a wonderful bear who loves marmalade and came with a suitcase from Brazil ,to a family in England where he causes loveable drama.

I did when younger and I have discovered we have a few things in common. I am round and cuddly, bear shaped, I love and make marmalade and I have a real interest in suitcases and all sorts of adventures you can hold in a suitcase.

Taking time to go to garage sales has gifted me a few different suitcases over time and each of these were revamped from dusty and mouldy smelling cases to a mobile adventure or resource for my children, but could be easily be used for OSCAR children and tamariki.

There is literally now a massive rainbow range of paint colours in test pots, stickers and glossy, colourful magazines that can give your cases a new and fresh skin, ready for you to fill with treasures.

Some interest my children had that gave me ideas for the contents were dress ups and scarves, with three favourite music Cd’s which brings out the dancer in everyone. In another one, dull and unshiny coins, metal dishes, a genie style lamp, small sculptures along with some soft rubbing clothes and polish. What magic it was rubbing away the age and discovering a lot of treasure and knowledge hidden just beneath the dull surface.

We also had a pull it apart case that had small clocks, calculators, discarded small machines, a range of screwdrivers, small hammers, safety goggles and an old army blanket. There was a lot of pull apart discovery in this case.

So get on the case today and share your ideas on the blog or on our Facebook page, or twitter me anytime.

Julie

What's In A Name?

2010-05-05T11:20:00.001+12:00

I have a real fascination with different people’s names and the meanings and origins behind them! It is quite amazing how someone can take on the characteristics of their name, sometimes before even knowing what it means.

The meaning behind the name is a fun activity that I would sometimes do with the children at my old programme. I would pull out a “baby name” book or look the names up on the internet and share with the children what their name meant. They loved it!

You can always take it one step further and encourage the children to make bookmarks or a canvas with the information on it for the children to take home. Some great websites for name meanings are:

http://www.babynames.com/ http://www.mybabyname.com/ http://www.babynamescountry.com/

Just for fun, I have found the names, origins and meanings of the OSCAR Advisors below!
Anastasia - Greek, Resurrection
Susannah - Hebrew, Lily
Amanda - Latin, Worthy of love
Ariana - Greek, Holy
Julie - Latin, Soft aired, youthful
Odette - French, Ode, melodic
Sally - Hebrew, Princess, form of Sarah
Tania - Slavic, A fairy queen
Kelly - Celtic/Gaelic, Warrior/defender

Susannah

Icebreakers

2010-05-04T21:04:00.002+12:00

There will always be new students and/or staff coming into our programmes, especially at the beginning of a term and/or year. It is a really great idea to play some icebreaker games so everybody can get to know each other it is also great for creating more of a team atmosphere, break down social barriers and help people to relax.

There are some fantastic websites with loads of games and activitiy ideas, try these websites for some ideas:

http://wilderdom.com/games/Icebreakers.html

http://www.icebreakers.ws/get-to-know-you

One of my personal favourites are balloon games like trying to keep a balloon up between different body parts without popping eg. knees, tummy, little fingers.

Don't forget that the children would love to get to know you also so don't be afraid to have some fun and join in.

Kelly

Sexual Harassment and Bullying of Youth

2010-05-04T08:30:00.003+12:00

I was watching the TV last week and saw an interesting employment case in the States where a young teenage woman was suing her ex-employer, for not protecting her from sexual harassment in the work place. In short, she was working in an environment where the staff were mainly youth and early twenties and the manager/s were only young adults themselves.

The piece went onto talk about how youth and even young adults were still learning appropriate social behaviours in the work place and emphasised the need for employers who hire youth and young adults to have policies in place to protect them from sexual harassment, bullying and inappropriate sexual relationships, which may eventuate from the work place.

Certainly something to think about. We all have policies in place to protect our children but what about our staff? Think about what you are doing to ensure both safety and wellbeing of all employees.

Take a look at these links from the Department of Labour’s website and arm yourself with knowledge.

http://osh.dol.govt.nz/publications/factsheets/bullying.html
http://www.ers.dol.govt.nz/factsheets/youngemployee.html
http://ers.govt.nz/factsheets/employingchildren.html

and for more info look at …
http://osh.dol.govt.nz/order/catalogue/index.shtml#yo

Anastasia

First Programmes Receive Te Korowai Kounga

2010-04-30T21:40:00.003+12:00

How exciting to see the first programmes in Aotearoa receiving Te Korowai Kounga – The Cloak of Quality awards this week. Everyone has worked so hard to show off the special things they do for New Zealand’s children. CONGRATULATIONS!!! So here begins the challenge to all programmes to step up and show your families and colleagues the very best that YOU can do.

Odette

Christchurch, The Garden City

2010-04-30T09:09:00.000+12:00

Many OSCAR programmes take full advantage of the wide range of activities that are available in the Canterbury region.

The city alone offers many options, such as the beautiful Botanical Gardens. You can walk through, and admire the amazing array of colour, and play in the huge trees on the way to the excellent playground facilities, and in the warmer months swimming in the swimming pools. The museum also offers an unforgettable adventure; the Arts centre and the Art Gallery are all at an arm’s reach.

Just a short walk or a ride on the cities tram system is the Christchurch Square, where you can play chess and then admire the Christchurch Cathedral and the Chalice Sculpture.

Some activities available in the city include Garden City Bowl, climbing at either Clip n Climb or at the YMCA, kayaking down the Avon River or walking around the Aquarium.

Christchurch city has plenty of local swimming pools and parks which many OSCAR programmes take advantage of, giving their children opportunities and adventures to experience.

Amanda

Quirky Facts and Fun

2010-04-29T09:07:00.000+12:00

Most of us enjoy a quirky fact, provoking interest, thought and a laugh or two. Here's a few to share and stump others with...

"Almost" is the longest word in the english language with all the letters in alphabetical order.
A cockroach can live for several weeks with it's head cut off - eeww!
A snail can sleep for up to 3 years WITHOUT eating.
Human thigh bones are stronger than concrete.
Crocodiles swallow stones to help them dive deeper.
The largest eggs in the WORLD are laid by SHARKS.
Every continent in the world has a city called Rome.
The longest English word without any vowels is Rhythm.
In Iceland it's illegal to have a pet dog.
Your heart beats over 100,000 times a day.
On average right handed people live nine years longer than left.
Most people blink around 17,000 times a day.
The elephant is the only mammal that can't jump.
Our feet contain a quarter of our bodies' bones.
In the same way all fingerprints are different all tongue prints are different also.
It's against the law to burp, or sneeze in a church in Nebraska, USA.
Dead skin makes up for most of the dust particles in your home - eeww!
Camels have three eyelids to protect themselves from blowing sand.
The placement of a donkey's eyes in its' head which enables it to see all four feet at all times.
On average a hedgehog's heart beats 300 times a minute.
Earth is the only planet not named after a god.
Months that begin on a Sunday will always have a "Friday the 13th".
You're born with 300 bones, but by the time you become an adult, you only have 206.
Dolphins sleep with one eye open.
It is impossible to sneeze with your eyes open.
Slugs have 4 noses.
A giraffe can clean its ears with its 21-inch tongue!

Sally :)

Teaching Kids Important Life Lessons

2010-04-27T15:00:00.002+12:00

Even if we don’t realise it we have an amazing influence in the lives of children. We have the opportunity to teach them important life lessons such as honesty, trust and love.

One of the best ways is to show these values as role models, however talking about it is another way. Here are some questions to ask your children:

What would you do if ...

You were on an outing and turned around and couldn’t see anyone you knew?
Your friend showed you a watch he had taken out of someone else’s bag?
You were walking on the street and found a wallet with $50 in it but no identification?
You were biking with a friend and they fell off and were bleeding?
You were asleep and the fire alarm woke you up?
A friend invited you over to play games and the another friend asked you to go swimming?
You saw someone new at school sitting by themselves at morning tea time?

These are just a few of the questions you could ask children to get them thinking about what is important to them and what they value. Everyone’s values maybe different but without talking about them you will never know what they are or that they could be different to your own.

Ariana

Texture of Food

2010-04-26T08:36:00.000+12:00

I have been in full Wacky Science workshop mode lately for Conference and have been reading /researching a lot about our bodies. I know how much children love all sorts of information about body parts and can wackily relate to this area of science. This got me thinking especially about our tongue and the texture or "tongue feel" of the food and our choices and preferences.

Do you prefer the feel of soft, crunchy or chewy foods? Does it ever vary? Many crispy foods are fried and higher in fat, like potato chips. Many soft foods are high in sugar like cake, biscuits and desserts. I think that food texture affects children’s choices just as much as ours, so here are a few of my ideas on ways to be healthy at the same time catering to preferences.

For the Softies' try yogurt, low fat cheese, low fat cottage cheese, fruits canned in juice, tortillas, bananas, oranges, dips or hummus.

For the 'Crunchies' try baby carrots and other raw vegetables, apples, whole grain crackers, pretzels, dry cereal, baked chips, nuts or low fat popcorn.

For the 'Chewies' try bagels, pita bread or dried fruits.

I would love to hear all your healthy snack choices to add to the list. Comment here in the blog and share around Aotearoa your knowledge and ideas.

And courtesy of my 13 yr old - What is dracula’s favourite fruit? A nectarine.

Julie

ANZAC Day

2010-04-22T13:27:00.003+12:00

This Sunday is ANZAC Day; a very special day in both New Zealand’s history and present. I think it is important to take time to reflect and remember those who have fought and died for our country. Without them, the freedom we have in New Zealand may not exist.

It is a great time to share with the children in your programme the stories of your parents and grandparents. You can create poppies as an art activity and do some baking; making batches of ANZAC biscuits. Encourage families to attend a dawn service or an ANZAC parade in your area - it can be a rather emotional and humbling experience.

In Flanders fields the poppies grow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

Lt.-Col. John McCrae (1872 – 1918)

We will remember them...lest we forget

Susannah

Facebook

2010-04-21T10:23:00.000+12:00

How many of you out there know about The OSCAR Foundation’s fan page on Facebook?

According to the current ‘fan stats’ only 45 out of potentially thousands of OSCAR professionals, families and organisations!

With more than 400 million users over the world, social networking sites such as Facebook are a great way to connect with others and keep your finger on the pulse. Here are some interesting facts about Facebook, from their statistics page.

Did you know that...

More than 1.5 million local businesses have active Pages on Facebook
The Average user has 130 friends on the site
About 70% of Facebook users are outside the United States
And the average user becomes a fan of 4 Pages each month

To become a fan of the OSCAR Foundation’s Facebook page click on the link below.

The OSCAR Foundation Facebook Page

Little tip: Keep an eye on your privacy settings, you don’t have to share your personal information with people if you don’t want to! Click into personal settings and set your privacy options to high.

Anastasia

Goodbye from Marnie

2010-04-20T16:37:00.001+12:00

Hi everyone,

This blog is tinged with sadness as it will be the last one that I write as OSCAR Advisor to the Wellington/Kapiti Coast/Wairarapa region. From next week I will be beginning a new career as a social researcher.

I would like to give a huge thank you to everyone in the OSCAR sector for making the past three years such a fantastic experience. One of the best parts of the job has been getting out and meeting programme providers and seeing out of school programmes in action. I have been inspired by the energy, enthusiasm and dedication of OSCAR professionals. There is nothing like visiting a programme and seeing the smiles and laughter of happy children as they learn, explore and have fun with their friends.

Being part of the Te Korowai Kounga development team has also been a great privilege. I know that this initiative will contribute to the continuing development and strength of the OSCAR sector. To all the pilot programmes, thank you for your time and effort. To those who are thinking of participating in Te Korowai Kounga when it goes live in July, I encourage you to take up the challenge.

I will be at the OSCAR Conference in May and hope to catch up with many of you then.

Good luck for the future. I wish you, your staff and your children/tamariki all the best.

Marnie

Skype - Face To Face Meetings Online!

2010-04-19T14:05:00.003+12:00

Nothing beats a face to face meeting. Although the trusty telephone is great and emails are very quick and easy nothing beats being able to speak to people face to face, this is why I am now on Skype. I had my first Skype meeting the other day which went really well. It was so great to be able to speak face to face to a provider while working on some programme planning.

So, for any programmes in Otago and Southland (developing or established) that would like to catch up or have a Skype meeting, drop me an email (kelly@oscar.org.nz) and I will let you know when and how we can get together. I think this is going to be a great way to keep in touch, especially for programmes I can’t get to easily.

I look forward to meeting you soon.
Kelly

Awesome Autumn

2010-04-16T08:38:00.002+12:00

Hope the holidays are going well. I went to visit a programme yesterday and outside their main entrance were two trees in their autumn glory – each had a brilliant range of reds in every leaf; some bright red, other vermillion and light pink. What a beautiful resource for collage, print, weaving or bookmark making. In fact, take a step out and look around. In Autumn we are gifted with so many beautiful, durable and open ended resources.

I remembered as well to share the finished product from my 'recycled resources' with simple cutting, folding and weaving project I talked about in a previous blog. If you would like complete steps and instructions email me any time at julie@oscar.org.nz

Awesome Autumn everyone.

Julie

V8's in Hamilton

2010-04-16T06:45:00.003+12:00

Hamilton is the place to be this weekend as it will be a buzz and a varoom with the Hamilton ITM 400 V8's. It is the third year of this exciting event and while it causes controversy with some of the locals, most Hamiltonians and surrounding districts get in behind it.

One such programme that I visit is smack bang in the middle of the event and had raised the issue of what to do with the impending loss of revenue for the Friday and possibly the whole week leading up to the V8's due to traffic constrictions. We talked about making the event work for the programme and seeing if they could get some of the sponsors behind an event on or around their programme venue.

Well they did and my, what a response they got! Not only do they have an event that will go for the whole three days of the V8's but all the proceeds of this event, a children's fun park just outside the race track, will go to this programme's charity.

I am in awe of this programme and their foresight and vision to turn around what could have been a potential loss of earnings into a fun, productive and truely amazing thing.

Well done and may we all take a leaf out of your books.

Tania

What's In A Park?

2010-04-15T08:50:00.001+12:00

This week I have learn a whole lot from my programme visits. I have gathered some fantastic planning ideas for my workshop at the Conference as well as some amazingly creative activity ideas. I’m looking forward to visiting programmes that are going roller skating, having dance lessons and sumo wrestling.

As well as sharing the many other ideas that are out there this week I’m visiting a few programmes at parks. So many parks are different and have different resources available to your programme from tennis or basketball courts to huge swings and paddling pools. Some fantastic parks to visit around Christchurch include

Centennial Park, with its huge tyre and rope swings in St Martins,
Woodham Park in Richmond, which has a paddling pool and a beautiful garden,
Rishlingholm in Opawa, which is where the butterflies roost in the winter time, and
Victoria Park up in the hills, a fantastic place for big adventure such as orienteering and day walks.

Some parks have something a little different such as a croquet area or pentanque courts. I have planned a whole French theme day around these activities taking a little cooker or bbq and making crepes and hot chocolate.

Just take a second look at some of the parks in your areas and try something new when planning your next programme.

Ariana

Setting Goals

2010-04-13T21:07:00.003+12:00

In January this year I set myself a goal of stepping outside my comfort zone and competing in a physique competition. I have always trained at the gym, but I have decided to take it to the next level, to follow through and give it a go.

"Have the courage to let go of who you are for who you can become", this saying is attached to my wall at home to help me achieve my goal.

I also wrote down, If I succeed I will feel and, If I fail I will feel. I also asked myself what I really wanted, visualising that person I want to be and what was preventing myself from having it right now. Writing down how I will do things differently, believing that you can achieve what you want.

Things questions can be used in different scenarios not just with what I want to achieve. I believe goal setting is a important apsect of everyone's life. This can include financial, family, lifestyle and personal goals.

Amanda

Holiday Programme Visits

2010-04-12T08:37:00.001+12:00

Phew! This holiday period has been full of wonderful programme visits. I am always inspired and enlightened to see children and staff excitedly undertaking the various activities, trips and events planned.

I have been lucky enough to visit Butterfly Creek in Auckland to catch up with a camp programme, a few trips to Rotorua which as you know is not only beautiful but has adrenaline raising challenges in abundance and visits to all parts of Tauranga; Papamoa, Mount Maunganui, Bethlehem, McLaren Falls and Te Puke.

The opportunities provided, all managed professionally, in utmost safety is a huge accomplishment to providers and staff, and the benefits to children and families are great!

Congratulations to all OSCAR Providers for the truly amazing role you play in the lives of so many children and many thanks for making each of us so welcome to join in the fun.

Sally

Get Ready, Get Thru

2010-04-08T08:25:00.001+12:00

At the moment it seems like we are being bombarded by reports of destructive earthquakes and tsunamis on a weekly basis. I thought it would be appropriate to remind programmes how important it is to keep up your regular emergency drills and training. Check that your first aid kits are well stocked.

It is also a good idea to stock a bag with blankets, water bottles, barley sugars, a battery operated radio, torch and spare batteries near the entrance to your programme. Hopefully you will never have to use this bag but it is better to err on the side of caution and be well prepared. Get Thru is a great website with ideas and information for both your families and your programmes.

Stay safe and have a great week in the paradise we call home!

Susannah

First Aid Tip

2010-04-07T08:53:00.003+12:00

I found this great first aid tip while on visits to the Kids Klub After School Programmes on Auckland's sunny North Shore. Take clean and un-used dish sponges, moisten with water and place into air tight zip lock bags. Store in freezer for those little bumps and bruises.I have taken up the idea myself and made up these ice packs for my OXFAM walk this coming weekend. It's simple, doesn't contain those sticky, easy to leak gels, and is cost effective!

Anastasia

Remember Your New Years Resolution?

2010-04-06T12:33:00.000+12:00

Remember your New Years resolution? Just a distant memory now? Don’t worry, according to the New York Times one third of people break their resolutions by the end of January and four out of five will eventually be broken.

Now that we have finished the first term of 2010 it is a good time to take stock and re-evaluate goals, both personally and for your OSCAR programme. Many people make broad resolutions, but the key to achieving them lies in creating small, manageable goals that represent stepping stones to what you want to achieve.

Stuck for ideas? Goals for your programme could include serving healthier food for afternoon tea, developing a leadership programme for older children, or ensuring that all staff members attend professional development opportunities at least once per term. Discuss goal setting at your next staff meeting and formulate an action plan as to how these will be achieved.

Get the whole programme involved by sitting down with the children to see what they would like to aim towards for the programme. It might be that they would like to purchase an air hockey table, learn hip hop dancing, or take an overnight trip during the school holiday programme. Make a plan together about how these goals could be achieved (if cost is a factor brainstorm some creative ways to fundraise) and take the first steps to making the goal a reality!

Marnie

Question Time

2010-04-01T08:26:00.000+13:00

I have a challenge for you all.

On a wall of your programme, put up "I would like to know..." and have post-it notes ready for children to write questions to stick on your question wall. Not only will you find these really interesting and, at times,musing, it is a great way to let children help inform your planning and future topics.

Some of the more interesting questions I had included

Why does my snot try to stay sticking in my nose?
What is the biggest amount of money you can have?
Why do the clouds move really fast and sometimes look like pictures?
Will TV really damage my eyes?
Why does Mrs G always wear black tights?

Let us know what interesting questions you get asked?

Kelly

Interesting Books For Girls & Boys

2010-03-31T13:41:00.002+13:00

I came across these two interesting books the other day; The Dangerous Book for Boys, written by Conn Iggulden and Hal Iggulden, and The Daring Book for Girls, written by Andrea J. Buchanan and Miriam Peskowitz.

The Dangerous Book for Boys is packed fill with interesting facts and topics. You can learn about navigation, the moon, how to make a go-cart or learn to juggle. This book has everything; even basic first aid is covered. They suggest this book is perfect for every kiwi boy from eight to 80 years old. Some reviewers have criticised this book for encouraging the young reader to injure themselves; others have praised its contents.

The Daring Book for Girls has an excellent range of topics too. Public speaking, words to impress, bandana tying, building a camp fire, learn how to play a Didgeridoo. This book even teaches you how to skateboard and how to change a tyre. It is full of possibilities and ideas for filling a day with adventure, imagination and fun.

Amanda

Crazy Facts For Your Holiday Programme

2010-03-31T09:27:00.003+13:00

There’s nothing like some stunning snippets of CRAZY facts to slip into conversation to WOW the kids and challenge them to come up with other true but WACKY facts or dream up experiments to find your own.

The strongest muscle in your body is your tongue
Women blink twice as often as men
Around 1 in ten people are left handed
It’s impossible to sneeze with your eyes open
Your finger nails grow four times as fast as your toe nails
A kangaroo can’t jump unless its tail is on the ground
An ant has a larger sized brain for its weight than any other animal
Koala fingerprints are almost the same as human fingerprints
Cats can’t taste sweet flavours
Cows can walk up stairs but not down stairs
Ants can carry 100 times their own weight
Every day the Earth travels 2.4 million kilometers a day around the sun!

Have fun in the holidays.

Odette

The Season of Autumn

2010-03-30T10:22:00.000+13:00

RAIN!! Yes, we’ve had some. The Waikato, Bay of Plenty and many other parts of the country have been very dry for a long time. We got real rain and ongoing drizzle over a couple of days late last week which was desperately needed. Not just for my vege garden but especially for our farmers.

It’s also lovely to have cooler mornings and evenings, the birds are singing and we seem to have a spring in our steps again. This is a good time of year to be outdoors with our children, there’s a lot of colour around and plenty of natural resources to see and collect.

I remember going on group walks, collecting seed pods, leaves and cicada husks and bringing these back to create wonderful collages and crafts. The enjoyment and freedom of being outside in large spaces, excitement of discoveries, questions and chatter this encouraged was highly valuable and gave everyone a ‘feel good’ factor to their day.

Our wonderful country has a lot to offer us, you can make use of a number of local natural resources in your area; outdoor tracks, cycle ways, mountains, beaches, rivers, reserves and playgrounds. If the sun is smiling, a breeze is blowing and leaves are fluttering do try to get out and about and enjoy the wonderful season of Autumn.

Sally

Looking Around For Transport Options

2010-03-29T11:50:00.003+13:00

I found out an interesting fact the other day about transporting children around during the school holiday periods. The bus charges are escalating and will no doubt go up with the increase to GST, petrol and any other charges passed on to consumers.

If this has impacted on your programme getting out and about during the holidays, my suggestion is to get in touch with your local sports clubs, Te Kohanga Reo’s, Cosmopolitan Club's and Senior Citizen Club's etc. Many of these groups have vans and happily hire them out to other organisations when they aren’t using them. Some of these groups just ask for petrol to be replaced and/or a koha towards the upkeep of the vans, buses etc.

It is worth looking around for transport options. Who knows, if enough programmes get on board to support their local clubs by hiring their vans and stop using the buses, the bus companies may have to lower their prices.

Tania

The Humble Banana Box Storage Solution

2010-03-26T11:34:00.004+13:00

Turn the humble banana box into a colourful and affordable storage solution. I painted these Banana boxes with some left over paint I had lying around my home. My OXFAM team and I are using them to store race gear in the 100k OXFAM race.

I took this picture and thought... gee this would be a great storage idea for OSCAR programmes.
The only thing it will cost you is a bit of extra time at the supermarket.

Anastasia

What’s Cooking?

2010-03-25T10:33:00.003+13:00

I’m a busy mum and my husband works nights so he is very rarely home for dinner. This is where it falls on me to cook dinner for my two fussy children.

One of my children’s favourite meals is Cowboy Casserole with a base of mince, baked beans, macaroni and some vegetables. I usually use peas, carrots, mushroom and corn, however you can use whatever vegetables you have on hand. Left overs can be wrapped in pastry for pasties or pies.

My children also love macaroni cheese but after a long day at work and my limited skills at creating cheese sauce, my secret hint is to add a tablespoon of sour cream to hot macaroni, stir it in and then add a cup of grated cheese, some sliced ham and any cooked vegetables you have handy.

For drinks we often have iced tea. I always use fruit tea's, mainly with a berry base to them by making one cup with four tea bags add three big spoonfuls of honey and top with ice and water to taste. The more water added the more diluted the iced tea becomes. We also have popped them into ice block mould and frozen them for delicious summer treats.

With rugby season coming up, we have to bring a plate to all home games to share after the game. One of my favourites is Rugby Slice. I change it regularly depending on what I have in the cupboard. I have added apricots, chocolate chips, raspberry essence or sultanas. Here is the basic recipe:

Rugby Slice
4 crushed weetbix
1 C Sugar
2 C Flour
2tsp baking powder
4tsp Cocoa
250g melted butter
¼ C Milk
Place flour, weetbix, sugar, baking powder and cocoa into a bowl and mix. Add any extras, then add melted butter. Mix together then add milk. Put into a sandwich tin or roll into biscuits. Bake for 15mins at 180⁰C. Take out, allow to cool, and ice.

I often sprinkle a handful of chocolate chips whilst it is still hot or some hundreds and thousands. Hope this has given you some ideas for either at home or at your OSCAR programme.

Ariana

Webwatch - but not as you may first think it to be

2010-03-24T13:30:00.003+13:00

Ever since I can remember I have always had a curious and enquiring mind and real interest in all the sciences. As a child this often got me in trouble for asking too many questions at the tea table or creating strange and lingering smells with my concoctions and lotions. Think, good old stink bombs and you may understand. One specific area of biology I love is spider web catching and webwatch.

Spider web catching of course happens best in the early morning hours, as the neighbour’s rooster is crowing and the birds have begun their morning choir practice. On these dewy and misty mornings in our pyjamas and with bare feet, for that cool smooth massage for our toes on the grass, out to the garden we would go with our brown paper bags or remnants of black tar roofing paper and some talcum powder. So many webs everywhere when you start to look.

Catching is a process of gently sliding the paper up behind a web, without touching it, then gently pressing it against the web and lifting the paper up in a slow scooping motion. At first it may look like you have nothing and then with a gentle talc snow sprinkled on top and a gentle blow to remove the excess ,you have appear before your eyes a beautiful and unique web.

We tried this sprinkling with some golden and silver icing powder used for cake decorating or powder paints of our favourite colours, a sealing with hairspray creates beautiful art pieces as well.

Did you know that the design, shape and completeness or incompleteness of a spider’s web can tell you a lot about the health of the air and the environment around them. Some sprays and airborne chemicals or spores can change the strength of a spider’s silk milk? And often webs are not complete or a bit like my knitting when I was learning, had dropped stitches and holes that could be easily seen.

So in your garden at your OSCAR programme or at home, choose a wee corner of the garden and put webwatching in to action, if your plants seem less healthy or you just want to keep your eye out for your environment and develop a lifelong skill that will make you a great gardener, then webwatching is for you and your children.

Julie

Feedback From Children

2010-03-23T15:03:00.003+13:00

In the past few weeks I have been working away on the Te Korowai Kounga/Cloak of Quality pilot project. Part of this emphasises consulting with and gaining feedback from children and it has been very interesting seeing the different ways that programmes have gone about doing this.

Often it is informal - a quick chat with a small group of children about what they enjoy at the programme and what they would like to do today. Some programmes use more formal methods of gaining feedback, such as a child-friendly survey at the end of the term or holidays.

Observation is also a great tool to see which activities and resources are popular. Take a step back and see which activities the children gravitate towards, listen to them discuss what the latest craze is and see if you can incorporate this into your programme.

If you have some space try putting up a sheet of paper and giving the children a chance to write or draw their ideas about what they would like to do at the programme. You'll be surprised at what they come up with! Here's an example from OSCAR @ Fenwick in Oamaru.

Children love feeling like they are being listened to and that their opinion matters. Giving them opportunities to contribute to programme planning will increase their sense of belonging and onwership in their OSCAR programme.

Marnie

Look Up & Out!

2010-03-22T08:55:00.002+13:00

I am blessed to be able to catch a ferry to work every day. During this half hour journey I usually read a book or chat with friends; paying little or no attention to what is going on outside the window.

This morning I decided to do something a little different. I decided to look up and out! I now realise what I have been missing all this time; I would not have seen the delightful scene of changing colours in the sky as the sun rose up from behind the low lying clouds on the horizon, the darkened silhouette of Rangitoto or the glistening reflection of the sun in the windows of the cities skyscrapers.

These are all simple things, however, I now feel that my day is better because I did not get caught up in the monotony of the daily commute and instead chose to look up and out. It did get me thinking though, what else are we missing in life because we do not take time to look up and out?

Susannah

Children

2010-03-19T18:53:00.001+13:00

Thousands of youngsters ran in the kids triathlon in Whangarei last weekend. As I watched, clapped, cheered and yahooed I was enthralled by the faces of other parents around me.

Their emotions were intense as they willed their little ones towards the finish. There was elation as they emerged from the water, excitement as they re-appeared from the bike ride and anxiety when children struggled to find their stride in the run. Parents glanced at one another and exchanged smiles as they proudly cuddled their successful young athletes.

I marveled at the children’s independence in the company of their peers and with the belief that they could and would succeed. I was reminded again of how very precious our children are to their parents and of the immense trust, responsibility and privilege to be part of their lives.

Odette

Listening To Children

2010-03-16T15:48:00.002+13:00

While trying to cook tea, do the dishes and jot down notes for work, my sons tone seemed to get the better of me, as I turned to look at him he said “what do you think I should do” it was then I realised although I was making all the right yes I’m listening noises I had not heard a word he had just said to me.

With the hectic lives we tend to live now there seems to be a slip back to the old age expectation that children are “to be seen and not heard”. Listening to children is important for their development and growth. One of the easiest ways to empower children is to listen to them: listening boosts their self-esteem.

Listening to each other in a family improves the quality of family life and everyone feels cherished. The best time for a family to listen to each other is during meals. While television may have its benefits in certain regards it has not only destroyed the art of reading but also the art of conversations within families.
I remember seeing on Super Nanny (one of those beneficial TV moments) she recommended a family try “5 minutes of darkness” each night with each child. This involves getting the child into bed ready for sleep, turning off the light then just listening, if they have nothing to say then it is silence but within this silence the child will learn that you are there to listen and they can talk about whatever is important to them. If they do talk the darkness may help them talk about things they may be embarrassed about or feel afraid to discuss. What a great way to make an effort to build on our listening skills.

There are some great listening and trust games we can play with our children also to improve our communication. They will love guiding you around the house and yard blindfolded while you listen carefully for every instruction they give you. I think you will be surprised in this game as to who the best listener is.

Kelly

The Girls Project

2010-03-15T11:14:00.002+13:00

Doctor Donna Swift, a Social Anthropologist from Nelson, is researching the use of violent and anti-social behaviours of (aged 13 – 17 years old) girls and young women among each other as well as towards males and adults, and the impact it has on society.

The study is called “The Girls Project”, approximately 3000 girls from the top of the South Island and the West Coast of New Zealand are able to take part. Participation is voluntary and confidential. Participants are asked a series of questions and they are asked to be honest. Questions range from Parts A to E asking things like,

Has someone does this to me?
Does this happen?
Have YOU done this to another person in the last year? etc.

They want to hear about what teenage girls have to say about girls fighting, why it happens, what makes it get vicious, what would make it stop and who gets involved.

The project is still in the development stage, but if you want to follow the process visit www.thegirlsproject.org.nz

Amanda

Worthy Causes

2010-03-15T09:14:00.002+13:00

I have recently been volunteering a few hours of my time at the local Salvation Army store, this has been a great opportunity for me to meet new friends, learn some new skills and feel like I’m making a difference – albeit a small one! I have also started donating blood on a regular basis.

This has led me to think about the very small sacrifices we can make to our time and lives to really help others and the benefits of role modelling this to our children. My children have asked a number of questions about this wee change to my lifestyle, wondering why I am suddenly doing things I’ve never done before. Perhaps now that they are growing up (all teenagers – JOY, but that’s another story!) and are far more independent and self sufficient I am feeling less needed than I used to and have more personal time on my hands, or maybe it’s an age thing? I’m not sure of the answer myself but do know I now feel there’s a bit more to life than I’ve experienced in the past.

I now actively read events and charity information in the newspaper each week and have been talking about this topic to others in my life. I was interested to hear some of our OSCAR programmes participate, lead and host events in their communities. One participated in a Breast Cancer Awareness sponsored walk and through the children’s investigation and interest in a local newspaper article on food bank shortages, challenged other OSCAR programmes to donate, raising awareness on a wider scale.

OSCAR programmes also hosted Children’s Day galas and celebrations. I am so proud of the discussions occurring within OSCAR programmes, the thought processes this gives to our children and their interest and passion to help make a difference in other people’s lives.

So if you’re looking for something worthwhile to fill extra time and contribute your excellent skills to get out in your community and see what’s available…RSPCA, Cancer Society, Salvation Army, Barnardo's, NZ Blood Donors and much more. You can find information in your local newspaper, online or contact your district council.

There is something fun and worthwhile for everyone from tree planting to story telling at your local library, I promise the outcome is of great personal benefit to others and yourselves.

Sally

Food to Fuel

2010-03-11T12:27:00.000+13:00

I’m currently training for the OXFAM 100km walk this April 10 with my team, Team Supercool, with three other team members.

Teams are given 36 hours to complete the race in, walking through the night going from dawn to dawn with no sleep. It’s a huge challenge, one that I’ve been training for since December last year - it will probably be the hardest thing I’ve ever done!

We’ve been trail blazing over Auckland’s Waitakere and Hanua ranges, learning a lot about how our bodies work over long distant hikes which can range from as short as 8km to as long as 42+km in distance.When you are hiking such long distances fuel is obviously important. We’re always trying new and natural energy foods that steer away from preservatives and from what I call false energy sources such as caffeine and high amounts of processed sugar.

Below is an easy recipe for incredibly tasty banana oat treats, we have been eaten these on our hikes, they are so yummy, have no added sugar or solid fats. Plus it’s a great way to use up your ripe bananas and it’s so much easier to make than a banana cake. I’m sure the children in your OSCAR Programme will love them !

Banana oat treats
3 bananas
2 cups rolled oats
1 cup chopped dates, or sultanas etc
1/3 cup vege oil – can be reduced by adding a bit more banana
1 tsp vanilla extract
Mash bananas first then combine the other ingredients, let sit for 10 mins then roll into truffle sized balls on oven tray and bake on 180 for 20minutes.

Get creative! If allergies aren’t an issue, to increase the protein content, think about combining a few seeds or nuts with the oats to give you those complete amino acids, perfect for us vegetarians.

Anastasia

Questions to reflect on in our programmes

2010-03-10T10:05:00.001+13:00

I hope you all had fun at the Children’s Day events held last Sunday. While Children’s Day is only once a year it brings to mind a few questions that we should be asking ourselves on a daily basis.

Are we offering the children at our programme enriched experiences?
Are we listening to what the children want or how they feel about the programme?
Are we engaging our parents and wider community to find out if our programmes are making a difference to the lives of the children who attend?
Do we let our staff know they are truly appreciated for the hard work they put in to running the programme?
Are we making use of the network meetings for face to face discussion with our peers?
And the workshops that are on offer - do we attend and upskill ourselves with the tools needed to help make the programme run smoothly?
And most important does our programme reflect our philosophy?

Tania

The Humble Button

2010-03-09T14:05:00.000+13:00

Yesterday I found a button out by my letterbox, tangled in a wee bird’s nest that had blown down from a mighty magnolia tree in my neighbour’s garden.

It reminded me of two things. One my great love of snooping through my grandmother’s button collection when I was young and each button I picked out would have a story to be shared. It would tell me a tale of where it came from and how it came to live in her button box. Secondly, of a time when I used to read with a group of boys in foster care. One of them told me “I was just like a button” and when I asked "if it’s because of my roundish shape?" he laughed and replied “Nah, its cos you hold things together.”

These memories got me thinking about the humble button or more importantly how it created a magical connection between a grandmother and her granddaughter. It ensured some important family memories were passed in to the future.

Could a button collection or any type of collection somewhere in a programme, create a curiosity and opportunity to have this important sharing and connecting happening between children and adults in your programme? I think it could and I would love to hear all about your experiences and wonderful collections, anytime.

Following this, I asked my two youngest children for ideas about how could buttons be used in a programme and here are some of their ideas: Button bracelets, puppet eyes, board game counters, paper flower centres, fishing rod floaters, robot controls, shaking snakes, castanets, shakers for maracas, brooches and hair ties, a button award for staff, managers or children for when they hold things together.

That was less than a minute brainstorming with 2 children, so if you multiplied that by the number of children in your programme today and the number of staff, give them a few minutes to brainstorm, there instantly is a great art and craft resource using a recycled and potentially cost free resource.

Finally by pushing a few buttons on a computer in less than 10 seconds whilst on the internet – and voila – open door to 14,400,000 possibilities for arts and crafts ideas using buttons.

Enjoy - Julie.

Friends and Friendships

2010-03-08T11:36:00.000+13:00

My son has recently turn four and we had his very first “birthday” party with children from his preschool. When I went to write the invitations out, I realised that I didn’t really know many of his friends; children that he spends his days with building mountains of sand and zooming cars around a make believe track. My son’s friends come from such a variety of backgrounds and this made me think about friends and friendship.

I spent a lot of time travelling as a child and moved to a lot of new schools as a result of this I spent a lot of time making new friends. It is a great skill to be able to make friends quickly and in a way it often comes down to the adults to facilitate social interactions, encouraging participation and know each child. Whether it is an experience of building volcanoes in the sandpit or playing a game of soccer, childhood is full of friends and friendship.

Some children find it difficult to make friends and need support to approach children or become involved with groups of children. Some children even find it difficult to talk to others, including staff. It may help to have something familiar to them maybe a toy from home and item of clothing or something that helps them be comfortable at the programme.

One thing I have seen a lot of lately is a “getting to know you” booklet one that the children can fill out themselves or with a little help from staff or a parent. The children can use this to get to know each other as well as getting to know themselves a little too.

Giving children the opportunities to become acquainted with each other means that those, who find it difficult to make friends, can become socially engaged with others. Involving children in activities where they have to meet others as a part of a game or something similar will expand their opportunity to have social interactions including activities in pairs or small groups.

Some children have a huge amount of friends and get included in everything whilst others may only make one or two really great friends. The best approach is the one the meets the needs of the individual child at the time.

So take the time to make a new friend and support others to do the same.

Ariana

The Best Things In Life Sometimes Comes In Boxes!

2010-03-05T15:28:00.003+13:00

I have many fond memories from my childhood, but one in particular stands out.

During my second year at primary school, my teacher brought an empty fridge box to school. She took the entire class down to the playing field and together we gathered up all the fallen leaves up off the ground. We filled the box up to the top and took it back to the classroom and deposited it outside in the cloak bay. The teacher then used the box as a good behaviour reward, whenever we were found to be doing something exceptionally well with our schoolwork she would send us outside for 5 minutes with a buddy and we could jump into the box of leaves! It was such a simple (and free) activity but we all had so much fun!

There are so many other things that you can do with boxes too. Pop down to your local Bond and Bond or Noel Leeming store and ask for all of their empty fridge, washing machine or television boxes. They are generally more than happy to offload them. Back at your programme simply give the children some sellotape and the boxes and watch as their imaginations take over! By the end of the day you will most likely have a box village spilling through the room and the sound of delighted children as they set up houses and shops.

Have a box-car derby. Split the children into small groups and they can design, make and decorate a box-car to race around the racetrack.

Try making robots out of boxes. In groups, the children could build a robots out of boxes and other craft materials. They can come up with a name for their robot and what it is capable of doing.

Find a couple of square boxes, paint and put dots on them and you have some dice for giant games session.

The possibilities with cardboard boxes are endless and the child’s imagination is brilliant, so grab some boxes today and have hours of fun at virtually no cost!

Susannah

Fresh perspectives

2010-03-04T11:32:00.003+13:00

Driving to school this morning, the kids and I were tossing around ideas for names for a new after school programme…. And our favourite today…. NUMBER FOUR…. because it’s after three!

I’ve been out this week at programmes around and about and have been thinking about how very different childhood can be. The values of our families, schools, and people around us shape the way that children interact with the world around them, what they strive for and how they present themselves. Often we’re tempted to look at children from our own perspective, reflecting on our own childhood experiences and our extra years on the planet. It’s very hard to see things from a perspective that we’ve never experienced. I look at the expectations that children have of their after school programmes and the expectations that after school “adults” have of the children in their care.

Let your imagination take a walk in someone else’s shoes every now and then look at the world with a fresh perspective. Take it easy on each other and treasure the good times and laughs you have together.

Odette

Inclusive eating

2010-03-03T14:32:00.003+13:00

I have recently become a prescatarian (a semi-vegetarian who eats fish, but no meat or poultry). It's something that I had been meaning to do for a while and after an initial adjustment period where I felt hungry all the time I am not finding it too difficult. I’ve even improved my cooking skills, as it is not so easy to just grab something quick on the way home from work!

The main difficulty that I have had has been eating in restaurants. If I don’t want fish ‘n’ chips (albeit a gourmet version) the menu often contains two or three vegetarian choices at the most, generally pasta and risotto.

This has made me much more aware of the struggles of people who have food allergies or non-mainstream diets. To be honest I was never very aware of this before, despite previously working in an OSCAR programme that included several children with allergies.

Allergies to peanuts seem to be increasingly common, as does intolerance to gluten. Our multi-cultural society has also seen an increase in the number of children who do not eat certain foods for religious or cultural reasons.

If you have any of these children in your programme, have a think about how to be inclusive to their needs. We had a child who was allergic to dairy and I’m now realising that although we made an effort to offer suitable afternoon tea choices, she often couldn’t try the products that we made during baking activities. It would have been relatively easy to make a few small adjustments to make the activity more fun and inclusive for her.

So as a newly minted fussy eater, I’m asking on behalf of others – please put some thought into how you could include us!

Marnie

Barn and animals

2010-03-02T08:55:00.000+13:00

I was driving down south to visit a programme and noticed how many farms there were. Now don’t laugh because I did know there were a lot of farms around but I guess I never really thought about them until now.

What a wonderful resource we have just sitting, waiting to be used. Imagine taking a holiday programme to a farm, there are so many possibilities, here are just a few I thought of.

Where does milk come from? See a milking shed and learn how milk goes from the cow all the way to the supermarket.
Animals. How many of the children in your programme have been up close to
cows, calves, sheep, lambs, farm dogs, chickens etc? Imagine if they could
actually pet them or maybe even feed them.
Machinery (the boys will love you for this one), how does it all work and what is it for? You could look at milking sheds, vats, diggers, quad bikes, combine harvesters, tractors etc.

I am sure you can think of many other ways we could utilise local farms. "Oh no" I hear you crying, how can we take a group of children somewhere so dangerous? With just a little bit of planning, parental consent and RAM forms it’s not such a scary concept and imagine the experiences you are providing for the children in your programme, something some have never but also will never experience without you taking the risk of being different… go on I challenge you to think outside the square.

What else do you have within your area that you haven’t really noticed before?

Kelly

Tsunami Risk to NZ

2010-03-01T12:23:00.000+13:00

Once again we have seen a very high magnitude - 8.8 scale - earthquake hit, devastating Chile over the weekend. One of the roll out effects of this is the risk of tsunami. This had a small impact some of our friends over the weekend with a planned fishing trip in Waihi being cancelled as civil defence turned boaters away and the evacuation of many Whangamata residents and holiday makers.

What is a Tsunami?
Tsunami are large sea waves caused by earthquakes, undersea landslides, volcanic eruptions or even large objects, such as meteorites, falling into the sea. They can travel at about 600 km an hour across deep oceans (as fast as some jet planes), and can be 10-30 metres high when they reach land.

In Hawaii the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre detects and warns countries about tsunami that may affect them. However, a tsunami generated close to New Zealand’s coast could arrive so quickly that there is little or no time to warn people. The risk to New Zealanders is higher than it used to be because more people live near the sea. Previously bare coastline now has houses built close to the water’s edge.

What should you do if a Tsunami hits?

Turn on your radio and follow all instructions.
Take your Getaway Kit with you if you are told to evacuate.
Leave the area immediately if you are on the beach or near a river when a strong earthquake occurs.
Go at least one kilometre inland or 35 metres above sea level.
Don’t go to a river or beach to watch the waves come in.

Visit the EQ-IQ website to assist you in being as best prepared for any emergency as possible. The website includes all the information you need to ensure your survival, plus detailed Emergency Survival Kit, Emergency Plan, First Aide Kit and Getaway Kit lists.

A little time and research now will make all the difference to the safety of you, our children and loved ones.

BE PREPARED - Sally

Violent Movies and Games

2010-02-25T12:34:00.003+13:00

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

2010-02-24T15:30:00.000+13:00

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

2010-02-24T09:14:00.001+13:00

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

2010-02-24T08:54:00.002+13:00

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

2010-02-22T11:17:00.002+13:00

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

2010-02-22T07:40:00.004+13:00

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

2010-02-19T15:45:00.002+13:00

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

2010-02-18T10:28:00.000+13:00

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

2010-02-16T17:09:00.000+13:00

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

2010-02-15T15:30:00.003+13:00

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

2010-02-12T08:30:00.003+13:00

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...

2010-02-11T08:30:00.004+13:00

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

2010-02-09T09:53:00.004+13:00

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

2010-02-08T09:00:00.002+13:00

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

2010-02-05T10:15:00.004+13:00

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