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    Making Connections is an innovative, online learning tool designed to give mentors, teachers, counselors and volunteers the strategies and tools they need to build strong relationships with kids. For more information, click here.

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    The Making Connections Blog is a place where mentors, teachers, counselors and volunteers who work with kids can come together to find support, resources and information that they can use to help them be even better at their jobs. It is a place to find answers, explore solutions, make connections, and share ideas, experiences, challenges and knowledge, all with the intent of finding more and better ways to build the kinds of relationships that help keep kids in school.

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    Blogger, course developer, and instructor, Tobi Kibel Piatek, writes about education, designs curriculum, graphics and websites, and teaches teachers, online and in person. A long time mentor, parent and educator, her work combines a love for kids, learning and technology.


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    • Archive for July, 2009

    Help your kids make the most of summer time

    By Tobi Kibel Piatek | Tuesday, July 14th, 2009

    Help your teen salvage the summer and pick up useful skills - this is the headline for an article in the Oregon this morning. The information is directed at parents, and contains lots of good ideas about ways to that parents can help use the rest of the summer season constructively. Tips include how to get kids motivated, how to help them network, ideas for using their entrepreneurial talents, and of course, lots of ideas for ways that kids can volunteer their time.

    Of course, these are also great ideas for how MENTORS can encourage their kids to get involved, learn something new and benefit themselves and the community.

    How do you motivate YOUR kids to make the most of their summer time? Tell us.

    Topics: Creating a Positive, Family Involvement, How to Help, Quality Time | 1 Comment »

    More About Raising and Teaching Boys

    By Tobi Kibel Piatek | Wednesday, July 8th, 2009

    The Oregonian has a blog for parents. The Omamas, Journalist Moms Working for You  frequently has interesting information, relevant to parents, teachers and mentors.

    Today’s post, Raising Boys, is especially resonant. It includes some ideas and some resources that parents can use now - during the summer time, and information that may help parents insure that their boys thrive once they are back in school.

    Be sure to listen to the podcast, and check out the resources, including  the Guys Read info from the  Multnomah County library.

    Topics: Boy Friendly Schools | No Comments »