Quality Time
« Previous EntriesMark Your Calendar: World Animal Festival
By Tobi Kibel Piatek | Thursday, September 4th, 2008
Well, I was at the zoo yesterday to see the new baby elephant. You must have gone over the long weekend because, the crowds were smaller yesterday, and I heard it was packed Saturday, Sunday and Monday. The new baby is a wonder, and standing on line was an opportunity to hear kids of all ages, and their adults talking about all things elephant, where they live, how they live, and how mothers and babies interact. It was quite educational, and a great reminder of informal learning.
Another thing I learned yesterday is of a great event coming up soon:
World Animal Festival:
September 27 - October 5 (details on the site)
This is an “exciting showcase of how various cultures around the world revere and celebrate animals. Local cultural groups will present animal folklore to zoo guests in a variety of ways, including performance art, hands-on crafts, educational activities and art exhibits.”
Topics: Culturally Competent, Quality Time, Things to do | No Comments »
Its All Happening At the Zoo
By Tobi Kibel Piatek | Monday, August 25th, 2008
I admit it. I have been totally obsessed with the birth and beginnings of our new baby elephant over the weekend. I have followed every news break and bit of information, and am so glad to know that our newest zoo member seems to be ‘making connections’ with his mother. (She is a perfect example of the fact that being a new mother, especially a teenaged mother with little experience, can be a challenge.) Fortunately for Rose Tu and her new little boy, she has lots of help and support around her.
Enough metaphors - the reason I am writing about the baby elephant, other than the fact that he is so much on my mind, is that when searching for even MORE information, I came to the Oregon Zoo website and discovered that it is loaded with great information, things to do, and curriculum ideas. There is really something for everybody - kids, teachers, parents, mentors and … animal lovers.
There is a wide variety of information in different media. There is an events calendar to help you plan ahead. The Education section has pages for Kids, Kids and Families and Teachers. The Animal sections include information, photographs, videos, a cool behind the scenes virtual tour, and lots more.
You might already have guessed that, for me, anything to do with animals is fascinating and inspiring. I believe animals can open new doors that will allow you to to connect with kids, and they can also bring big ideas, new words and concepts into the classroom and conversations.
So, whether you are a teacher or a mentor, whether you are looking for information about the environment, conservation or animals, or, if your just are looking for a great website to share on a rainy afternoon, or to make part of an after-school event; or, if you are planning a trip - for a group or just two of you, the Oregon Zoo website has the information and ideas you need.
See you there.
Topics: Quality Time, Things to do | No Comments »
Things to Do: OPB Kids and Family Resources
By Tobi Kibel Piatek | Tuesday, July 22nd, 2008
http://www.opb.org/kidsfamily/
There is something for teachers, something for mentors, something for parents and PLENTY for kids on the OPB Kids and Family site. Parents and mentors looking for some good ways to enrich these summer days might want to check out some of these resources:
Lewis & Clark Explorer Guides If your are looking for some outdoor fun … plan your own Lewis & Clark adventure using these travel guides that are sure to bring the spirit of the Corps to life. (Note: I KNOW these are fun and interesting - because I wrote them!)
Eco Smart Tips, activities and resources to help you begin conversations with children about conservation and recycling. This site includes step-by-step instructions for activities families completed at OPB’s workshops with reused and recycled materials.
We know kids watch TV in summer -to make the most of that time, and to keep in touch with what they are watching, the OPB programming schedule in on this site, as well as some great ideas to connect learning and fun in summer days. Check out this collection of easy to use resources on Media Literacy:
Activities to Build On What You’ve Watched
Extend the Learning with Books :
Stay up to date on the latest listing for things to do in The Family Events Calendar
Teachers - look ahead to next year (while there is still time) check out the Lesson Plans from OPB
Topics: Recommended Resources, Family Involvement, Resources for Teacher, Quality Time, Things to do | 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 »
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
|
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 »
Museum Family Sundays (at the Art Museum)
By Tobi Kibel Piatek | Monday, June 2nd, 2008
Mentors looking for inexpensive and free ways to bring art into your lives, and experience one of Portland’s great resources will love Museum Family Sundays. On “select Sunday afternoons ” throughout the year, the Portland Art Museum offers adult and kid combinations hands-on activities, demonstrations and performances designed to “lead you on a journey of discovery as you explore our galleries filled with art from around the world.”
On June 22, 2008: Explore art of the Northwest through art–making, family tours of the Contemporary Northwest Art Awards and the Center for Northwest Art, artist demonstrations, and more family fun.
sunday
jun 22, 2008
1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Price: Free with museum admission (kids under 17 are free)
Topics: Upcoming Events, Quality Time, Things to do | No Comments »
Things to Do: Experience Art for Free
By Tobi Kibel Piatek | Monday, June 2nd, 2008
Looking for something to do indoors this summer?
As part of the museums’ efforts to connect more people with art, general admission to the Portland Art Museum is now free for children 17 and under.
The new policy is the result of a $1 million donation from long-time supporters Gordon D. Sondland and Katherine J. Durant.
Adult ticket prices will remain the same:
- Adults: $10.00
- Seniors 55+/students 19+: $9.00
The museum also offers college students a yearly pass for just $10.
Topics: Quality Time, Things to do | No Comments »
Thinking about Quality Time with Kids: Ideas for Mentors (Teachers and Parents Too)
By Tobi Kibel Piatek | Tuesday, May 20th, 2008
Quality time: Time spent with family or friends, time that is important, special, productive or profitable. Spending quality time means paying full and undivided attention to the person/matter at hand. Though the chance to enjoy quality time is often limited, what is most is important is the value attached to the events or interactions which occur.
There is no question that teachers, mentors and parents have busy schedules. Some of us who do have time to spend with kids are limited in the amount of time we can spend together. No matter what your relationship with your “significant kid” one thing is for sure; those of us who spend time with kids want to make the most of it. But, this can be a challenge.
For many people, quality time equals educational experiences that result in higher school achievement, so, therefore, quality time often means reading books, writing stories, doing math puzzles, etc. Of course, these are all great ways to use time, but, learning can happen by doing things that do not seem connected to developing academic skills.
Learning is thinking – and one aspect of thinking is discovering how knowledge learned in the classroom fits in the “real world” – into the everyday things we do in the kitchen, the garden, the grocery, the park, the bank and the car.
Research tells us that it’s not necessarily what you do with a kid that stimulates learning and thinking, but how you do it. With this in mind, here is one of my favorite strategies for encouraging kids to think.
Use your kids’ questions as opportunities to encourage thinking. For example, if a kid asks “why is the sky blue,” you have some options. You can give a scientific answer, or shrug and say “I don’t know.” Or you can respond with a question of your own: “Why do you think the sky is blue?” Responding to an open ended question in this way (respectfully) can lead to conversation and real thinking – perhaps about the many colors we actually see in the sky, about clouds, about light and reflections, the sea, the trees and more. Engaging in conversation about all of these ideas allows your kid to form and express ideas. Since this is an open ended question, there are really no wrong answers, and, with no pressure to find the “right’ response, you may be surprised to discover just how much your kid knows, as well as how he thinks.
Responding to a question with “what do you think, how would you do that, how can we find out, or why do you think that happened?” is like opening a door to possibilities, imagination, thoughts, and sometimes silliness and laughter. It’s a great way to make connections – between the two of you, and between thinking and “real life.”
Topics: Relationship Strategy, Quality Time, Things to do | No Comments »
Things to Do - made simple and inexpensive and FUN
By Tobi Kibel Piatek | Tuesday, April 22nd, 2008
Mentors need ideas for things to do - inexpensive, fun and interesting. This totally fills the bill.
DO YOU KNOW OF OTHER LIBRARIES THAT OFFER SIMILAR PROGRAMS? OTHER FREE RESOURCES?
PLEASE POST THESE TO THIS BLOG - thanks
Cultural Pass to Adventure at Beaverton City Library
Each Cultural Pass to Adventure is available for a one-day check-out from your local Washington County library. You must pick up and return the pass to the same library.
Each pass provides free admission to the destination of your choice. Some restrictions may apply. Check with your library or each destination for further details.
Check out the Cultural Pass to Adventure at your local WCCLS library. (Not all passes are available at all libraries.) Use the online catalog to see which passes are available now.
Follow these easy steps to plan your trip to adventure:
-
Reserve a pass for your selected venue and date by stopping by the Circulation Desk at the Library or by calling (503) 644-2197, option 1.
-
On the day of your adventure, bring your library card to the Circulation Desk and check out the pass.
-
After your visit, return the pass to the Beaverton City Library. If the Library is still open it’s best to return the pass to the Circulation Desk but after-hours returns may be made to BCL drive-up book drops located on the east side of the Library.
Destinations (click for more information)
A.C. Gilbert’s Discovery Village
Children’s Museum
Chinese Classical Garden
The Japanese Garden
Oregon Sports Hall of Fame
Pittock Mansion
Portland Art Museum
Rice NW Museum of Rocks & Minerals
Washington County Museum
BCL subscribes to most passes that are available through the program. Each pass provides free admission to the destination of your choice but there is a $10.00 charge if the pass is returned late. You must be at least 18 years old to secure a pass and some restrictions may apply. All passes must be checked out at, and returned to, the Beaverton City Library on the same day the pass is used.
Topics: Resources for Teacher, Quality Time, Resources for Mentor | No Comments »
« Previous Entries