Things to do
« 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 »
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.
________________________________________________________________
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 »
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 »
An Evening of Art for Educators (FREE)
By Tobi Kibel Piatek | Monday, June 2nd, 2008
Evening for Educators (K-12)
Enjoy light refreshments and network with other educators. Learn about the Portland Art Museum’s special exhibitions as well as the permanent galleries. Learn about opportunities for docent-led school tours and museum suitcase presentations in your classroom. These events are free to educators, but reservations are required as space is limited. Please call 503.276.4318 to reserve your space today.
Evening for College Educators
Enjoy light refreshments and network with other educators. Learn about the Portland Art Museum’s special exhibitions as well as the permanent galleries. These events are free to educators. Reservations are required as space is limited. Please call 503.276.4227 to reserve your space today.
Topics: Resources for Teacher, Things to do | No Comments »
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