Archive for June, 2008
« Previous EntriesMaking Connections: Now with even more RESOURCES
By Tobi Kibel Piatek | Monday, June 30th, 2008
Thanks to all of the course participants who have contributed ideas, connections and suggestions for resources to add to our online course, our resource list - information for teachers and mentors, helping organizations, in depth information on a wide array of topics related to each subject within the course, who to call, where to go, things to do, and much, much more, has doubled in size.
Please be sure to check it out the next time you are visiting the course. If you are not a course participant, you now have many more reasons to start Making Connections.
Topics: RESOURCES, Resources for Teacher, Resources for Mentor | No Comments »
Intercultural Communication Institute Research Library
By Tobi Kibel Piatek | Monday, June 30th, 2008
I spent some time this weekend helping to prepare for the upcoming Summer Institute for Intercultural Communication which will be held at Reed
click here)As many hands worked together to assemble the notebooks that 600 participants from around the world will receive, it was hard to ignore the fact that we were surrounded on all sides by the books and resources that make up the Intercultural Communication Institute Research Library. Its an amazing collection, and you can take advantage of it.
What is the Intercultural Communication Institute Research Library:
A collection of over 29,000 books, journals, articles and audio-visual materials entirely devoted to the subject of intercultural communication. Many of the items in this collection are called “fugitive” – difficult to locate, and perhaps, one of a kind.
Topics include:
- AIDS
- Community Development
- Conflict Across Cultures/ Intercultural Development/ Cultural Awareness
- Culture Shock
- Diversity (Organizational Development, Training, Negotiations and Mediation)
- Education (Curriculum Development, Diversity, Multicultural Education)
- Ethnic/Race Relations
- Family and Roles
- Gender and Sexual Orientation
- Healing and Medicine
- Human Consciousness
- Cultures Specific Information (
China, India, Middle East, Latin America etc.) - Peace Corps
- Sociology
- MORE
Who is the library for?
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Researchers: If you are looking for easily organized topical areas, “the library is likely to produce monographs you haven’t yet discovered.”
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International Educators wondering how to put together the perfect student orientation manual will find many examples.
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Trainers and Educators of any age group will find countless learning activities and book on instructional design.
The library has a collection of over 300 video and DVD titles, training manuals, course syllabi, theses and dissertations, classic texts, archival materials, and donations from the collections of numerous researchers and educators.
How to Use the Library: (NOTE: Library contents do not circulate)
The library welcomes you to come and browse (or study, or learn) year round. Please contact the library for hours of operation (503 297 4622) and to schedule some time to take advantage of this unique resource.
Topics: Recommended Resources, Resources for Teacher, Culturally Competent | No Comments »
Who Mentored YOU?
By Tobi Kibel Piatek | Friday, June 27th, 2008
So many of the people I meet, teachers, counselors, mentors, volunteers, scout leaders, great kids with great projects, all are doing wonderful things - not only for the kids in classrooms and programs, but for others as well.
I believe that the ways each of us find to reach out can be as unique as our own skills and interests, and that the acts of reaching out can offer myriad opportunities to enrich our lives as much as they enrich the lives of those we seek to help.
I also believe that the term MENTOR is confusing - but can be made clearer if we define it as helping someone in a meaningful way. Once we understand the definition, it becomes clear that each of us has had a mentor. So this is my question:
WHO MENTORED YOU? Was there someone in your life who did or said something that made a difference in the path you took, in the way you felt about yourself, and in the things you do for others?
I believe each of us has at least one story to tell. I believe that by understanding the many faces that mentoring can take, it will be easier to understand how each of us can make meaningful connections with others - especially kids at risk.
Please share your experiences on this blog. Pass this question along to others. Let’s build a collection of stories that show the many different faces that mentoring can take. Who knows. maybe someone will write about YOU.
Click the COMMENT button below to respond.
Topics: Mentor Stories | No Comments »
Need Help Coming Up with Ideas for Things to Do? Brainstorm
By Tobi Kibel Piatek | Monday, June 23rd, 2008
“To have a great idea, have a lot of them.”
Thomas Edison (and he should know)
Mentors are frequently looking for ideas for things to do with kids. I recently came across an article on the website Connecting Generations http://www.cgi-de.org/index.html that had a good list of ideas for things to do such as:
- start a collection together
- play a game – such as hangman, jacks, monopoly
- make a photo album
- create a collage
- learn a new craft (origami is one that can keep you busy for awhile)
- learn some words or phrases in a new language
- etc …
By why let someone else tell you how to spend your time with a mentee? Why not use your time together to do something really fun, something that will stimulate creativity, open the door to lots of conversations, break through barriers, and help you get to know the kid you work with. Why don’t you and your mentee brainstorm your own list of ideas?
And, while you are at it – have fun doing it.
TRY THIS:
Brainstorming is easy once you learn a few very simple rules. It is a great way to stretch your imagination, build confidence in your ability to generate ideas, and allow you to discover new and creative ways to look at things. It is, of course, a powerful problem solving tool.
HERE”S A PROBLEM TO SOLVE: If we could do anything in the world, IMAGINE what would we do?
List as many ideas great ideas as you can.
Consider: Where would we go? What would we do when we got there? Who would be there? What would we eat? What would we wear? What is the weather, the season, the time? Remind your mentee that We don’t have to worry about money, or time, transportation or babysitters, what to wear, or what people will think. This perfect day can be anywhere, at any time - this is your imagination, your perfect day.
The rules: There is only one - all ideas are welcome. (This means we don’t say – oh that would cost too much, or, we’d never be able to get there in time.) Keep in mind that even ideas that may not work can stimulate more ideas.
The goal: Generate as many ideas as possible. Silly ideas, funny thoughts, wild imaginings are all welcome, the more the better.
When you are done, your list may be the jumping off point that will allow you and your mentee to discover themes, interests or activities that you share, and open the door the to an entirely new brainstorm – how might we spend our time learning more about …. Jazz, hockey, France, the moon, Cajun food, computer games, … you get the idea.
Variations on this activity can include a creative story, art work to illustrate this perfect day, what else? Share your ideas here. And, please share the visions for a perfect day that are generated by this idea.
Topics: How To's, Quality Time, Things to do, Resources for Mentor | No Comments »
Find items in libraries near you
By Tobi Kibel Piatek | Monday, June 16th, 2008
Summer is reading time, and for many of us, learning time. I want to let you know about another wonderful library related tool that will make your reading life simpler, richer and easier.
Welcome to WORLDCAT - the world’s largest network of library content and services. Worldcat connects you to the collections and services of more than 10,000 libraries worldwide.
There are more than 1.2 billion (!) items available, including books, dvds, cds, and articles. Establishing a free Worldcat account allows you to create list of items you’d like to keep track of and share. You can build a bibliography, and export it in different formats, and lots more.
An online tutorial makes it easy and clear.”WorldCat libraries are dedicated to providing access to their resources on the Web, where most people start their search for information.”
WorldCat.org lets you:
- • Search many libraries at once for an item and then locate it in a library nearby
- • Find books, music, articles and videos to check out
- • Find research articles and digital items (like audiobooks) that can be directly viewed or downloaded. (This is the perfect adjunct to the Library 2 Go feature mentioned in an earlier posting.)
• Link to “Ask a Librarian” and other services at your library
- • Post your review of an item, or contribute factual information about it
- NOTE: You may need to have an active offline membership with a WorldCat library to view/download content or check out materials through its Web site.
Topics: Resources for Teacher, Resources for Mentor | No Comments »
Jazz for Peace
By Tobi Kibel Piatek | Wednesday, June 11th, 2008
Upcoming Event: JUNE 20th
A concert and small auction benefitting Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization (IRCO) and celebrating World Refugee Day. Reception starts at 6:30 pm and concert starts at 7:30 pm. Tickets are on sale now. Call for more information.
The mission of the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization (IRCO) is to promote the integration of refugees, immigrants, and the community at large into a self-sufficient, healthy, and inclusive multiethnic society.
Location: World Trade Center Auditorium - 121 SW Salmon ST., 3rd Floor Portland, Oregon - Map to this address
Contact: (503) 234-1541 ext. 103 for more details. For tickets and other information JazzforPeace.org.
Topics: Upcoming Events, Things to do | No Comments »
CHECK IT OUT: Library 2 Go
By Tobi Kibel Piatek | Tuesday, June 10th, 2008
I love to read. I love libraries, I love books, and almost as much, I love recorded books. Over the years I have listened to hundreds of them – first listening to tapes while commuting in my car, or on my Walkman while … walking (cooking, gardening … you get the idea. I am hooked). Then, I switched to books on CD – which are somewhat more convenient, but anyone who uses a CD Walkman knows that they skip and bounce when you do (like at the gym). So, my next approach was ripping CD’s into my computer and then dragging them into my Creative Media Player. This, it turns out is a long, slow process, and, unless you do technical stuff to the files, chapters often play out of order. What’s a reader to do?
The answer has arrived in a blaze of technical glory so wonderful I just have to tell you about it.
CHECK IT OUT: Library 2 Go (a feature of Oregon Digital Library Consortium) is “Now featuring downloadable videos as well as audiobooks for children and young adults!”
This is a huge collection, and it is certainly not only for kids, in fact, there is truly something for everyone. Offerings include a wide array of fiction, non-fiction, mystery, sci-fi, classics, current events, biographies, etc. There is also an extensive collection of videos – both for pleasure and education. I am currently watching a series of four videos (on my PC): Teach Me Different! with Sally L. Smith: Prizing Diversity. They are great for teachers and so easy to watch and access. You can find them (and so much more) on the site.
All you need to access this amazing resource is a library card. Once you log into Library 2 Go (with your card number and pin), you can “download digital audio books and video titles 24/7 to a PC at home, in the office or anywhere in the world. Transfer audio books to your MP3 or burn onto CD for listening on-the-go.”
Note: The website includes this information: At this time, OverDrive Media files cannot be used on iPods or Mac computers. Details about this are on the site too.
The site includes plenty of help and technical how-to information, and access to all the software you will need. Click here for help and more information. It was easy, trust me.
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Library 2 Go provides OverDrive Books and Videos.
What is an OverDrive Audio Book?
An OverDrive Audio Book title is a digitally-protected audiobook that has been optimized for download. OverDrive Audio Book titles are built using the Microsoft® Windows Media Audio format, which greatly enhances the sound quality for desktop listening, play of CD copies (when allowed by the publisher), and portable device use.
What is an OverDrive Video title?
An OverDrive Video title is a digitally-protected video file that has been optimized for download. OverDrive Video titles are built using the Microsoft® Windows Media Video format, which greatly enhances the sound quality for desktop viewing and portable device use. Note that OverDrive Video is a high speed Internet-only product.
Topics: Resources for Teacher, Things to do, Resources for Mentor | 2 Comments »
What about the third R – Relationships?
By Tobi Kibel Piatek | Monday, June 9th, 2008
June 9, 2008
In this morning’s Oregonian, the opinion column is titled, Putting our money where our kids are (reducing the dropout rate). Click here to read the entire column. The column is in response to an earlier editorial Putting schools on the spot
Both editorials contain advice and opinions about Oregon’s startling dropout rate (43% according to Portland Mayor-elect Sam Adams).
Today’s column, by Scott Eave, vice president for human resources at Gunderson Inc., cites “The Silent Epidemic,” a 2006 report for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, “which interviewed high school dropouts, (and found that) … more than 80 percent of the students surveyed indicated that teaching and curriculum needed to be improved to make school more relevant and engaging , and (that schools need to ) enhance the connection between school and work.” The author also points out that in 2005; the Portland school board adopted more rigorous graduation requirements with the goal of ensuring that students are better prepared for life and work after high school.
Rigor and relevance, clearly essential goals for our education system, but in my opinion, these columns, and so many other articles I read about our drop out epidemic, fail to address the third (and most important) R … relationships.
In the process of developing this course (ABOUT Making Connections), extensive research demonstrated that a significant part of students’ success is directly linked to having a one-on-one relationship with an adult who truly cares about what happens to them. And yet, so little is written about this essential element in the life of a kids at risk.
There is no question that kids need (deserve) opportunities to engage in experiences that demonstrate the relevance of what they are learning to their real lives. They also deserve to leave school with the skills and knowledge they will need for continuing their educations, and with the ability to find and fill jobs in the workplace. But, for so many of our kids at risk of dropping out, before rigor and relevance can shape their future, they need to feel comfortable, able to learn, welcome, and safe in our schools and classrooms. In other words, they need relationships.
Only when this need is met can they move on to the next steps on their ladders to success.
Tell Us: What do you think? Are relationships more important than rigor and relevance? What do you believe is the key to keeping kids in school? What works for your kids? What does not?
Click the No Comment button to add a your thoughts.
Topics: Dropouts, In The News | No Comments »
Things to Do: OPB Kids and Family Calendar
By Tobi Kibel Piatek | Thursday, June 5th, 2008
Mentors looking for something fun to do in and around Portland, and families too should bookmark OPB’s Kids and Family Calendar. http://www.opb.org/kidsfamily/section/calendar/ Keep in mind that you can not only find ideas for activities, but, its also a place (like this blog) where you can post an announcement for your own upcoming event. I think this event looks like a great way to spend an afternoon with a special kid. If you go, tell us about it here.
Day of the African Child
Saturday, June 14, 2008, 10am – 5pm
World Forestry
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At 12:30 Mayor Tom Potter joins the Harambee Centre and the World Festivities include drumming by Chata Addy, African dance by Okaidja Afroso, story telling, delicious African food. |
| There will be outdoor activities free; indoor museum admission children free, $8 for adults and $7 for Seniors |
| For more information www.harambeecentre.org |
Topics: Culturally Competent, Quality Time, Things to do | No Comments »
Get Out and Play: Free and Fun
By Tobi Kibel Piatek | Tuesday, June 3rd, 2008
State Parks Day Saturday, June 7, 2008
Come celebrate State Parks Day with Tryon Creek State Natural Area. Get out and GO PLAY! Visit with the local pros to learn more about recreation in the great Northwest. The park will feature information and resources on hiking, disc golfi ng, biking, boating and camping of course. Snacks and refreshments will be provided. JR Beaver will make a special guest appearance so don’t forget your cameras!
SATURDAY, June 7, 2008 9:00 – noon free event for all ages - no preregistration necessary
Check this site for location and details http://www.oregonstateparks.org/park_144.php
For more information, and ideas for things to do - check out the summer catalog - there are lots of events and ideas for kids, families, volunteers and parents. Also, lots of ways to volunteer your time and knowledge. http://www.tryonfriends.org/education/ExploreGuide.pdf
Learn more about all that this great park has to offer http://www.tryonfriends.org/
Topics: Upcoming Events, Quality Time, Things to do | No Comments »
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