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Vol. 1 • No. 6 • Nov/Dec 09
®
Summer Learning Special + What Should My Child Be Doing Before Starting School? The Adrenalin Rush of Skateboarding Holiday Learning for Preschoolers 3-6 Years Old Holiday Jobs & Learning School Readiness & the Importance of Play
An Interview with the ld
Fie y n o th n A , le g ig Blue W
A Kids’ Healthy Christmas
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Speech Therapy • School Readiness • K to Adult Programs • Languages • Products
Nov/Dec 2009
Contents
This Month’s
FO R FA MILIE S O N T HE G O
FREE
Spotlight Vol. 1 • No. 6 • Nov/Dec 09
6
®
4
Editorial Your Letters
5
News ‘I am Jack’ Stage Play
An Interview with the Blue Wiggle, Anthony Field Get Ahead Kids® © MAP Marketing 2009 Publisher MAP Marketing ABN 38 003 493 007 Villa Franca, 2 Scott St Newcastle NSW 2300 www.getaheadkids.com.au P: 02 4929 7766 Managing Editor Maria Charlton MAP Marketing ABN 38 003 493 007 Villa Franca, 2 Scott St Newcastle NSW 2300 E: maria@mapmarketing.com.au P: 02 4929 7766
6
Spotlight An Interview with the Blue Wiggle, Anthony Field Summer Learning
8
What Should My Child Be Doing Before Starting School?
10
The Adrenalin Rush of Skateboarding
12
School Readiness & the Importance of Play
14
How to Maintain Reading Gains During the Summer Holidays
16
Holiday Learning for Preschoolers 3-6 Years Old
18
Holiday Jobs & Learning Health
20
A Kids’ Healthy Christmas
21
A Picture of Australian Children 2009
22
People in Focus From Stalemate to Singapore News
Graphic Design Katie Hurst MAP Marketing P: 02 4929 7766
24
Aerobics Team to Compete in World Competition
25
Sisters at the Australian Karate Championships
26
Snowsports Successes for Lakes Grammar Students
Advertising Maria Charlton MAP Marketing ABN 38 003 493 007 Villa Franca, 2 Scott St Newcastle NSW 2300 E: maria@mapmarketing.com.au P: 02 4929 7766
27
Michelle Bridges Wins Heat 2 in ‘Celebrity MasterChef’
Get Ahead Kids® is published by Marketing Advisers for Professionals Pty Ltd T/A MAP Marketing. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. The publisher does not accept responsibility for the opinions, errors or omissions.
Reviews 28
Dream Baby® Launches Stay-Put Cutlery & Bowl Set
29
Unique Furniture
30
New Book Reviews
33
Activity Zone
34
Advertisers Index
www.getaheadkids.com.au
3
Editorial As Get Ahead Kids® magazine turns
We have developed reader
one year old, it has achieved some
exchanges with a large number of
welcome milestones.
online businesses. The first of these is
Demand for the hardcopy Get Ahead Kids® magazine has rapidly increased. I urge readers to visit
www.inparenting.com.au that aims to be a resource for parents of all walks of life.
the magazine’s website for their
To all our readers, I wish you safe and
personal copy.
happy holidays!
The dynamic Get Ahead Kids® Digital can now be read on screen and copied free of charge to readers.
Maria Charlton Managing Editor P: 02 4929 7766 maria@mapmarketing.com.au
Get Ahead Kids® Digital is now directly emailed to schools and libraries nationally.
This is the first time I have read this
‘Increase Your Concentration
magazine and have found the
Retention’ is a beneficial article, not
articles quite interesting. Well done!
only to children but also to adults
It’s very informative for parents.
who are studying, or who don’t
S. Dick, Bonnells Bay I have an 8 year old son and found the few tips in the ‘Cool Boys Read’ article to be very helpful. I now
particularly like to read. I will be keeping this article to refer to again when my preschool children are older. C. Trantalis, Tanilba Bay
understand why he is reluctant to
Please send letters and stories with
read more, even though he is an
This is the first time I have seen this
excellent reader.
magazine and it is brilliant. I really
R. Pugh, Wallsend
Get Ahead Kids®
Being the father of a newborn son, I
Villa Franca, 2 Scott St
was really keen to read your article
Newcastle NSW 2300
on ‘Brain Development for 0-6 Year
Your magazine is wonderful! I
F: 02 4929 7827
Olds’. I now realise the importance
enjoyed the article by Leonie
maria@mapmarketing.com.au
of assisting my son to reach his gross
Forsyth. It’s great to have fun at
motor skill milestones and will be
the beach but there are so many
sticky taping your checklist to the
safety checks to consider when you
fridge!
have children especially toddlers.
O. Mansfield, Dudley I really enjoy reading this magazine. It has lots of interesting articles each month. K. Smith, Arcadia Vale
4
cannot pinpoint which part I liked in
your name and contact details to:
Get Ahead Kids® Nov/Dec 09
particular. J. Fuller, Bolwarra
The check list is a good idea for any outdoor activity in the warmer months. Thanks Leonie, Kidsafe and Get Ahead Kids®. R, Gray, Charlestown
News Tim McGarry & Susanne Gervay on stage answering questions.
‘I am Jack’ Stage Play By Maria Charlton
I attended the stage play ‘I Am
13 October 2009 Susanne Gervay,
Jack’ adapted by Monkey Baa
wrote to Get Ahead Kids®;
Theatre for Young People at the Civic Theatre, Friday 4 September 2009.
“Monkey Baa Theatre for Young People’s adaptation of Susanne Gervay’s ‘I Am Jack’ has received
I was impressed with the
critical acclaim, engaging
professionalism of the stage play
audiences of all ages in the play.
and the high level of primary school student engagement.
Due to popular demand, it is extending its second season with
The audience were awestruck when
two weeks of performances in
author of the much acclaimed
Broken Hill in October 2009. It is
book ‘I Am Jack’, Susanne Gervay,
scheduled for a national Australian
took centre stage and answered
tour in 2011.”
numerous questions from the enthusiastic school students.
Susanne Gervay
More Information www.sgervay.com
Raise S U P E R Kids Train 8 -12 yrs to:
Find the inner magic Experience joy & laughter Deal with emotions Make great friends 5 x 2-Hour Sessions Weekends & School Holidays 1300 251 575 www.freetobeme.com.au www.getaheadkids.com.au
5
Spotlight
An Interview with the Blue Wiggle, Anthony Field How do The Wiggles contribute to
There are many learning
the education of kids?
opportunities for children; they are
Everything we do reverberates our early childhood training which emphasised the importance of seeing things from the perspective of the child. Murray and I were both pre-school teachers, and we know that children learn best through play
exposed to a wide range of music through the many styles of music we play. We have sung songs in many different languages (Balla Balla Bambina) and of course we sing about the world children live in, where, for example, eating is a
I went to St Bernadette’s in Lalor Park (western Sydney), this is where I first started to play an instrument, the violin. I then went to Patrician Brothers Blacktown where I learned to play football and say the Rosary with an Irish accent!
big part of the day (Hot Potato). We
My high school was St Joseph’s
recognise the importance of
College in Sydney where I played
So that is what we incorporate into
pro-social learning and are aware of
in the orchestra and first played
all our CDs, DVDs and live shows.
the power of the hidden curriculum -
guitar in a rock band called ‘The
Through our shows, we attempt
we try and promote a healthy
Cockroaches’ with two of my
to empower children through
lifestyle with songs about exercise
brothers.
participation in singing and dancing.
(Getting Strong) and eating healthily
and music.
(Fruit Salad).
6
Where did you go to school?
Get Ahead Kids® Nov/Dec 09
Spotlight
Please tell us about your family I am the youngest of seven children, there’s Maria, Patrick, Colleen, Paul, Anne, John and myself. My dad was a pharmacist, he was heavily involved in the local community. He counselled addicts and ran the Parents and Friends Association at school, as well as coaching us at football. He died about ten years ago and we all still miss him terribly. My mother always said the three most important things in life are children, music and flowers! So she
This Christmas see The Wiggles perform in their Big Big Show, right around Australia.
made sure that all of us learned at least one musical instrument. Now I have three children of my own, Lucia, Maria and Antonio.
What are your career highlights? Still performing after 18 years is pretty
What is your favourite Australian destination and why?
amazing in itself. Meeting Robert De
Home in Sydney. I love getting out
Niro and Jerry Seinfeld at a Wiggles
on the water in my boat and of
I love being on Sydney Harbour
gig. The Macys’ Thanksgiving Parade
course going to Leichhardt Oval to
on my boat, and watching rugby
in New York City, recording and
watch the Tigers play.
league - my team is the Wests Tigers.
filming with Slim Dusty, John Fogerty,
Go the Tigers!
Kylie Minogue, Rolf Harris, Troy
What are your hobbies?
Cassar-Daley and so many others. What was your first job? What do you value most in life? I worked at a used car yard along Parramatta Road with some amazing characters. I helped clean the cars, but could never have been a salesman!
My family What are your most unforgettable
What was your best overseas experience? I’m not sure what the best overseas experience was but performing and filming on the Great Wall of China was pretty amazing!
personal experiences?
More Information
My wedding, the births of my three
www.thewiggles.com.au
children, seeing the Tigers win their last grand final.
www.getaheadkids.com.au
7
Summer Learning
What Should My Child Be Doing Before
Starting School?
By Dr Jane Williams
What do children need to be
Sensory stimulation, opportunities
The skills that your child develops in
able to do well before they get to
to move, and rhythm work, are just
the first five years of life provide the
school?
a few of the things that stimulate
foundations for later literacy and
development of the message
numeracy skills, as well as social
highways.
and emotional maturity essential
There’s much more to being successful at school than being
for coping in a classroom and
able to recognise the letters of the
Children whose message highways
alphabet, counting, or writing your
are not ready for learning find
own name.
activities such as drawing, painting,
Babies need the opportunities to
bead threading, puzzles, cutting out,
move and sensory experiences
word recognition, comprehension,
that stimulate their brain. Rolling,
maths concepts, letter and numeral
crawling, creeping, spinning,
writing, and spelling more difficult
massage, moving to music, along
than those whose brain is mature
with opportunities to experience
and responding effectively and
different textures, sounds, tastes,
efficiently.
smells, and movements are all
These skills can be learnt by rote and don’t necessarily show that the child has the brain development needed for more academic levels of learning. To learn easily, children need to be able to take in new information, organise it, give it meaning and respond appropriately. To do this the brain needs to have the message highways that conduct information to and from it in tip-top shape.
Even though the children who are
playground environment.
important to the developing brain.
not ready to learn are most likely
Toddlers need lots of movement
highly intelligent, they are at risk for
experiences that enable them to
ongoing learning difficulties.
practice (over and over) earlier
School readiness begins well before
learned skills.
your child starts school. It begins
These provide the foundation for
before birth and in infancy!
higher brain-based skills necessary for later learning - running, jumping, climbing, rolling, spinning and tumbling should be included in the daily activity repertoire of one and two year old children.
8
Get Ahead KidsÂŽ Nov/Dec 09
Summer Learning
Let your toddler walk! Go for walks
This means the brain is able to direct
every day. There are so many things
the right side of the body to “think
to do while walking: stepping into
and move” differently to the left.
puddles, jumping over lines, picking
Lateralization is important for lots of
up leaves and twigs, balancing
learning activities in school including
along fences. Go to parks and play
cutting out with scissors, art and
on swings, seesaws and slides. Run
craft activities, playing sports, writing
up and down hills. Roll and tumble.
and knowing in which hand to hold
Dr Jane Williams is a Director and
Balance along edges.
a pencil.
General Manager for Research
Three and four year olds need the
While you may be anxious for your
opportunities to develop their brains
child to develop the best skill set for
to a level where they can move
learning at school, it is important to
their bodies in more mature ways -
remember that you cannot hurry
hopping, galloping, marching,
your child’s development - it takes
skipping, over-arm throwing and
time for the body to fine-tune its
batting all require the brain to be
movements. Let them tackle the
matured to a level where one side
same task as often as they need to.
of the body can do “something
Every time your child practices a
different” to the other. It is called
movement they are taking another
“lateralization”.
important step along the pathway to learning.
and Education, Toddler Kindy GymbaROO and Adjunct Senior Lecturer at the School of Nursing, Midwifery & Nutrition, James Cook University.
More Information Rob Sasse Toddler Kindy GymbaROO P: 03 9817 3544 office@gymaroo.com.au www.gymbaroo.com.au
Babies (2-12 months)
FIRST CLASS IS FREE FOR BABIES & CRAWLERS • Research based programs • Professional qualified instructors • Parent information & home activities • Movement, music & specially designed equipment • Encourage critical skills for early learning & literacy Warners Bay (02) 4920 8033
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Central Coast Gosford (02) 4339 1894 (02) 4353 7765
Toddlers (1-3 years)
Preschoolers (3-5 years)
www.gymbaroo.com.au
www.getaheadkids.com.au
9
Summer Learning
The arris
Corbin H
f o h s u R n Adrenali
g n i d r a o b e t a Sk
ABS statistics 2006 indicate that
Corbin has his own television show
He attributes the popularity of
24% of children aged 5-14 years
‘Corbin Presents’ on Fuel TV and also
skateboarding to the ease of going out
or a total of 627,800 Australian
presents a weekly spot for Fox Sports
of your door and skateboarding, being
children skateboard or rollerblade.
‘This Week in Action Sports’.
associated with cool clothing brands,
These statistics also confirm that a much greater percentage of boys compared to girls participate in skateboarding. About one in four children skateboard, but there are only about 30-40 professional Australian skateboarders travelling the world to compete in skateboarding competitions. One of these professionals is Corbin Harris.
Well educated, Corbin finished high school at Waverley College NSW and
Most professional skateboarders
holds a Real Estate Management
started early, 4-5 years, but Corbin did
Diploma.
not get serious about skateboarding
Like many teenage boys he could
To overcome this relatively late start to
very grateful for his mother’s support
the sport, he practised for many hours
for encouraging him to complete his
every single day.
education. He has always excelled at sport. His first job was a as a retail sales at
Sydney based Corbin Harris is a
are working for Fox Sports, being an
professional skateboarder and
ambassador for youth sports and
television presenter who has been a
travelling the world.
than three years. He represents a
Corbin commented on his passions;
number of high profile brands that
“I love good food, appearing on
include Nike, Red Bull and Element
television, producing television
Skateboards, Shoes and Clothes.
shows, writing books and featuring in magazines”
3 to Giveaway! Thanks to Corbin Harris and
For your chance to win visit
HarperCollinsPublishers,
www.getaheadkids.com.au
Get Ahead Kids have 3 copies
follow the giveaway link and
of Corbin Harris’ Ultimate Guide
fill in your details.
to Skateboarding to giveaway (Valued at $35 each).
10 Get Ahead Kids® Nov/Dec 09
until he was 14 years old.
not wait to leave school. Now he is
Skate Park. Now his career highlights
professional skateboarder for more
and it is a creative individual sport.
For kids who want to take up skateboarding, Corbin outlines the necessary steps; 1. Put in the practice time to refine skills 2. Make videos to demonstrate skills 3. Send videos to sponsors 4. Compete in small local contests 5. Participate in larger contests
Summer Learning In his book ‘Corbin Harris Ultimate Guide to Skateboarding’, he states: “I consider myself lucky to be part of a new era of sponsored skaters who have more responsibilities as ambassadors for the brands they represent. Like everything, the more you put in the more you get out of it, and in skateboarding it now means that now in Australia it is possible to make it a legit career.” And skateboarding does not have to be dangerous if you wear a helmet, knee pads, wrist guards and elbow pads.
Skateboarding Safety Tips ❑❑ Wear properly fitted protective equipment ❑❑ Wear bright or reflective clothing if skating in the evening ❑❑ Avoid skating at night ❑❑ Avoid skating on public roads & footpaths ❑❑ Build up gradually to complicated tricks ❑❑ Advanced tricks need practice in skate parks ❑❑ Drink water regularly when skating in hot weather
basics in your driveway before you try
Author: Corbin Harris An exciting and comprehensive
More Information
It is especially important to master the
Corbin Harris’ Ultimate Guide to Skateboarding
guide on all you need to know about skateboarding. This book is
www.foxsports.com.au/fueltv
a colourful photographic account
more advanced skills in a skate park.
of skating tricks, how to build your own ramp, the top ten Australian
Children’s Informal Activities, Outside Of School Hours Activity
skateparks and competing like a professional. You don’t need to a
No. of Children
Participation
5-14 Yrs
Rate (%)
Watch television, videos or DVDs
2,596,000
97.4
Homework or other study
2,209,100
82.9
Age Guide: 5+ years
Read for pleasure
1,984,000
74.5
Extent: 160 pages (Paperback)
Bike ride
1,806,200
67.8
ISBN: 9780732290160
Play electronic or computer games
1,695,800
63.6
Price: AUD$35.00
Art and craft
1,309,100
49.1
Publisher: HarperCollinsPublishers
627,800
23.6
Skateboard or rollerblade
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Children’s Participation in Cultural and
skateboarder to enjoy this great book
P: 02 9952 5000 www.harpercollins.com.au
Leisure Activities, Australia, April 2006
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11
Summer Learning
School Readiness & the
Importance of Play By Cate Larke
Talk to any kindergarten teacher
Sadly, after the excitement of big
The answer is not to hothouse
and they will tell you that in the first
school wears off, by midterm one,
children! School readiness is not
week of a kindergarten classroom,
they no longer want to be there,
about being able to read or count
they can quickly tell you which
quickly realising that they are not
to100! Success in kindergarten is
children are going to thrive and
able to do what many of their
being about ready to learn and this
learn in the school environment, and
friends can do easily.
includes:
Then for the parents, begin the
❑❑ To sit still in a chair with good
those that will struggle. Why is it that some children arrive
interviews with teachers, looking
posture and balance so the eyes
at school, thirsty for knowledge and
for answers as to why their child
can focus
the challenges of the classroom and
is not learning - for many parents
others begin to fall down, lost in the
this continues for the child’s school
formalities and structure of school?
career. So then, how to avoid this scenario?
❑❑ To have fine motor control so that you can hold a pencil to write ❑❑ To have good spatial awareness so they can do maths and music ❑❑ To have good balance, so that the eyes and ears work well
12 Get Ahead Kids® Nov/Dec 09
Summer Learning So, how do you get your 4 or 5 year
❑❑ Dress up opportunities for fantasy
For instance, instead of expecting
old ready for school? Let them
play. This helps with imagination,
a four year old to write numbers
experience lots of varied play
social development and body
down and work through a book, let
activities to develop all areas of their
awareness as they manipulate
them count things in a play “shop”,
physical body, which in turn will help
buttons etc
order their toys into groups, count
to develop their motor planning and thinking skills.
Checklist
❑❑ Sand and water play helps the child to learn about their environment and many maths skills as they measure and pour.
❑❑ Swings and activities that encourage balance and the vestibular system ❑❑ Monkey bars, climbing and
❑❑ Look at their diet - are you
their blocks, young children will learn far more from their varied play experiences as they develop their physical body, ready for academic success. Let them move and exercise their body frequently -
feeding their brain or bad
guess what? They will even sleep
behaviour? Letting children eat
more soundly!
foods that have no nutritional
weight bearing activities to help
value & are full of chemicals
A free handout on school readiness
to develop the upper body.
is going to hinder good
is available from
Good upper body strength is
development. Become aware of
www.essentialplay.com.au
needed for later handwriting
what you are feeding your child
development
and gradually bring about some
More Information
❑❑ Complex fine motor activitiespuzzles, craft , toys that encourage a range of movement in fingers to develop dexterity or handwriting ❑❑ Scooter and bikes to encourage
changes Play is the essential ingredient for success at school. There is plenty of time for sitting at a table working through work sheets and writing answers.
balance. Balance is linked
Cate Larke Director Essential Moves Children’s Centre & Essential Play P: 02 4968 2246 info@essentialmoves.com.au www.essentialplay.com.au
closely to eye development and tracking needed for reading. ❑❑ Motor planning activities to develop body awareness ❑❑ Singing, music and nursery rhymes to develop sequencing comprehension & phonemic
The New Way to Play!!
awareness when reading
Fun for kids, fab for parents!
and memory skills for
❑❑ Reading to your child. Sharing and discussing books. Don’t try to teach or force them to read the print until they are ready. Talk about words in their environment eg signs at the shop, numbers
Babies, Toddlers & School Readiness programs.
Keeping the lights on in NSW
P: 02 4968 2246 www.essentialplay.com.au
www.centennialcoal.com.au
• Air Conditioned • Carpeted • Qualified Teachers
etc. They will begin to recognise words and symbols long before they isolate sounds and letters. How many children could recognise their favourite fast food sign in print?
www.getaheadkids.com.au
13
Summer Learning
Maintain Reading
How To Gains During the Summer Holidays? By Nicole van Wyk
Students work hard all year learning
A classic favourite in our family was
Younger players can use the sound
spelling or sight words, completing
the number plate game where you
while older students can use the
homework, climbing up reading
had to make a sentence or phrase
letter name. Initial sounds are a
levels and then the Christmas
with the letters of licence plates
very important part of reading and
holidays hit. Everyone is ready for a
around you. Younger children could
strengthening these can only benefit
break and they need one however
find a word that uses those letters
everyone!
it is important to keep some literacy
(clues from parents are allowed!).
activities in the weekly schedule
Another adaptation assigns a theme
during January.
and you find words that relate to
I hear all the parents heave a collective sigh. I understand that this does not always bring up good connotations but I want to share some fun ways to keep literacy alive in your home during the long summer break. Firstly, I would say forget about learning anything pre-Christmas unless it is child driven. Writing a letter to Santa, Christmas cards for family and friends or a letter to the grandparents are small things that children may enjoy. Find-a-words and word puzzles can also be great entertainers. There are also some inexpensive computer programs on the market if you have a computer buff. Once the tree is packed away and all the ‘Auld Lang Syne’s are sung, there are fun ways to keep children learning and thinking about language.
that theme, eg. Flowers AWR 332 becomes Azalea, Water lily and Rose. You could assign points or the first person to think of an answer gets the next turn. The added bonus is that car trips will go faster.
scrabble or the like. Why not make teams where each emergent reader is paired with an adult or older sibling? That way it includes more discussion and a demonstration of word building skills. The scrabble letters can also be divided between family members and they need to
Long car trips also allow for games
use as many letters as possible. There
like the sign game. The letters A-Z
may be rules for older children such
are systematically worked through
us they have to be at least three or
to see if you can find a sign for every
four letter words.
letter, eg. A-Attention shoppers, B-Bus Stop, etc. A few letters you may need to find anywhere in a word but usually you can find a sign that starts with that letter. Either you can each do it individually and the first one to finish or the first person to find a sign for each letter. The later promotes more interaction if that is what you are seeking.
Sight words can be turned into memory games by doubling the set of cards. This is much more interesting than the flash card method of practising. Children will focus on word length, initial sounds use of head, body and tail letters etc to memorise these words. Going over these words when other strains are not put on them is a great way
I couldn’t mention car games
to make strides where that were
without including ‘I Spy with My
difficult during the school year.
Little Eye...’ You’ve been there you know how it works. The important thing for younger students is that the word is not just spelled with the letter but that it makes that sound.
14 Get Ahead Kids® Nov/Dec 09
A great family activity is a game of
Summer Learning If you are doing some reading make
Children who practise skills during
sure you share the load. I will read
this long break will be much more
you one and you read one to me.
confident when it comes time to
Your read a paragraph or sentence
return to school. You may also find
and I will read one. It should be fun,
that your child has gained some
interesting and non-stressful. This will
ground as it is not unusual for student
ensure that they will be happy to
to fall back a few levels over the
do it more regularly. Why not grab
summer holiday. If you took some
a magazine on something they are
time to maintain their skills you could
interested in. The stories are often
be pleasantly surprised once school
brief and there is plenty of picture
starts.
support. They won’t even know they are reading. Santa might be able to bring them a special book that they can’t wait to read.
❑❑ Making up rhymes or limericks ❑❑
Keep a journal of special days (great to share with friends once school returns)
More Information
I will also add that the student that need this the most will probably be the most resistant ones. If activities are kept short and fun they will
Nicole van Wyk
Another game is finding all the
be much more receptive to it.
P: 02 4365 4428
words imbedded in a larger word,
Short periods more often is more
jvanwyk@bigpond.com
for example the word impossible
beneficial than an epic reading
www.icanreadsystem.com
contains the words less, limp, mop,
struggle once a week. Happy
lime, moss etc. Set a time limit say
holidays!
5 or 10 minutes and see how many words they can come up with in that time. Siblings can compete against each other or it could be children versus a parent. Younger students can practise rhyme. Finding rhyming words in a
Checklist of Holiday Literacy Activities ❑❑ I Spy with My Little Eye ❑❑ The number plate game ❑❑ The sign game
book or song, making up a word to
❑❑ Revised rules scrabble
rhyme with another word or using
❑❑ Find-a-word puzzles
two rhyming words in a sentence. The adventurous might want to try making up a poem or song including rhyme. Older siblings can help the younger ones with this.
Yrs 5&6
Reading Ro cks!
Selective School Preparation 83% Student Success for 2010 Intake
❑❑ Sight word memory ❑❑ Reading stories ❑❑ Words within a word
P: 4942 3000 | M: 0431 739 400 www.arrendell.com.au
Karrawong Kindy 0-3 years T: 02 4953 1860
Safe & Friendly Social Interaction Colourful & Well Equipped
11 Withers Street West Wallsend NSW 2286 Karrawong Kindy 3-6 years T: 02 4953 1865
Variety of Learning Activities
75 Carrington Street West Wallsend NSW 2286
Experienced & Qualified Staff
F: 02 4953 1865 E: enquiry@karrawongkindy.com.au
Accredited with NCAC
www.karrawongkindy.com.au www.getaheadkids.com.au
15
Summer Learning
Holiday Learning
for Preschoolers 3-6 Years Old By Renee Hartigan
Making holiday breaks interesting
• Place a rain gauge in
and enjoyable for preschool chil-
the garden. This will also
dren can lead to many areas of their
encourage interest in
development being challenged and
measurement.
extended.
• The taste, texture and smell of
Preschoolers are inquisitive by
the plants. Planting foods such
nature. They love to figure out how
as vegetables and fruits is a
things move, work, grow, smell, taste
great way to encourage them
and feel.
to eat it because they grew it!
As adults, you can encourage
❑❑ Use a magnifying glass or a pair
this interest in children and create
of binoculars to promote an
your own project within the home
interest in the garden and or
environment. Below are some ideas
surrounding environment.
that you can try with your children.
❑❑ Make a grass head out of a
❑❑ Talk to your child about: • Measurements: Encourage them to measure ingredients and liquids when cooking. Discuss fractions (eg: ¼ or ½) • Discuss “sometimes” foods • Discuss foods that give our bodies energy and keep us healthy. • Discuss where foods are grown (eg: potatoes, tomatoes) • Discuss where foods come from (eg: milk, eggs)
These activities specifically focus on
stocking, soil and grass seeds.
the areas of maths and science.
Decorate with goggle eyes
materials such as a recipe book
Growing A Garden
and craft materials. Have
to look through. Allow them to
one growing inside and one
choose a recipe to cook.
❑❑ Planting seedlings or established
growing outside to compare the
flowers and vegetables with your child can lead to many areas of development being extended. Talk to your child about;
differences in height. ❑❑ Caring and maintaining the garden. Encourage your child to water and care for their garden each day. Set up a
❑❑ Provide your child with text
❑❑ Discuss solids and liquids and what happens to both when heated, refrigerated or frozen. ❑❑ Make play dough, finger-paint, slime and goop with your child.
• The height and growth of the
routine time to do this (eg: first
plants: Measure the plant
thing in morning). This is a great
materials. A mixing bowl with a
growth and document it using
opportunity to instil responsibility
little flour and a spoon can be
a column graph. This is a great
in your child.
so much fun!
visual prompt for your child to see the progress of their garden. • Ask your child; “What makes
Cooking
experiences is an ideal way of incorporating topics such as health
Discuss the plants’ food (sun,
and nutrition. It also gives adults
water, soil and fertiliser) and
the opportunity to ask their children
also discuss what can affect
questions which, in turn, may
plants e.g. Snails, insects and
provoke further thought.
16 Get Ahead Kids® Nov/Dec 09
❑❑ Use vegetables or fruits that you have grown in the garden.
Getting children involved in cooking
plants and flowers grow?”
drought.
❑❑ Provide your child with role play
These are just a few ideas of how you can extend your child’s thinking at home. The possibilities are endless!
Summer Learning
Uncooked Play Dough
Goop
• 3 cups plain flour
• 1 packet cornflour
• ½ cup salt
• 1 cup water
• 3tbsp oil • 6 tspns cream of tartar • 2-3 cups boiling water
Mix together. The longer you keep it,
• Food colouring
the thicker it becomes.
Place dry ingredients and oil in
Bubble Mix
a bowl. Add colouring to water. Gradually mix to dough consistency. Add flour if sticky. Keeps for about 4 weeks.
Slime
• 10tbsn Water bubbles Mix together. The longer you let it
• A little cold water
sit, the better the bubbles. Use pipe
• 1 cup boiling water
cleaners to make bubble blowers.
• Edicol, food colouring or small
• 1 cup Lux soap flakes
Mix cornflour and little bit of cold
• 2 litres warm water
water to a thick gravy consistency. Quickly add boiling water and mix quickly. The mixture will become
Mix all ingredients. Whisk with egg
transparent and a meringue
beater. The longer you keep it, the
consistency.
better it gets.
• 3tbsn Detergent
• 3 tbsn Cornflour
amount of paint
• Food colouring
• 1tbsn Glycerine
• Double or triple mixture for lots of
Finger/Brush Paint & Glue
Must Have Recipes for Preschoolers
• Food colouring
More Information Renee Hartigan Director Hunter Valley Grammar School Early Learning Centre P: 4934 2444 hartiganr@hvgs.nsw.edu.au www.hvgs.nsw.edu.au
SCHOLARSHIPS FOR 2011 Scholarship applications are available for entry in 2011. Academic Scholarships Years 5 -11 Music Scholarships Years 5-11 Visual Arts Scholarships Years 9-11 Applications close Friday 9 April, 2010. Academic Scholarship Exams held on Saturday 8 May, 2010. Apply on-line at www.hvgs.nsw.edu.au or for further information please contact the school's Registrar.
H U N T E R VA L L E Y G R A M M A R S C H O O L Norfolk St Ashtonfield NSW 2323 P • 4934 2444 F • 4934 2404 E • registrar@hvgs.nsw.edu.au W • www.hvgs.nsw.edu.au
www.getaheadkids.com.au
17
Summer Learning
s b o J y da
i l o H & Learning 10 to Giveaway! Thanks to Australian Reptile Park, Get Ahead Kids have 10 Family Passes to The Australian Reptile Park to give away (Valued at $60 each).
Are your teens itching to do some-
Work participation develops
thing interesting other than surfing
valuable job skills, and enhances
the net, watching TV or playing
personal satisfaction. The right
video games? Finding a holiday job
holiday work can lead to a better
could be the answer!
appreciation for school education, increase self esteem, and lower teen
A holiday job gives teens the opportunity to exert their independence, and it can be a great learning experience. It can also be an escape from teenage
depression. Before encouraging your teenager to look for a job, it’s important to check the legal starting age for teen employment that varies from
Each family pass allows entry
boredom and inactivity that can
for 2 adults and 2 children
set in during the long Christmas
(3-15 years).
holidays.
For your chance to win visit
The Children at Work study,
can work casually or part-time
www.getaheadkids.com.au
conducted by the NSW Commission
outside school hours at 14 years of
follow the giveaway link and fill
for Children and Young People
age, but, in Victoria it is 15 years.
in your details.
surveyed the working habits of 11,000 school students aged 12-16 year olds.
state to state. For example teens in New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory
If your teens want to work but are not old enough, you can offer them money to complete household jobs
This study indicated that
including mowing lawns, gardening,
respondents value the opportunity
babysitting, painting and cleaning.
to develop new skills, exercise more responsibility and self-reliance, earn money and make a contribution. Work satisfaction depended on four aspects; recognition, support, control and income.
Some teenagers show signs of entrepreneurship and it’s important for parents to support them in their endeavours. There are many cases of teenagers operating small businesses that include babysitting, mowing lawns, cleaning houses, washing cars, Internet business or DJ.
18 Get Ahead KidsÂŽ Nov/Dec 09
Summer Learning More Information
Job seeking can be challenging
The study indicated that job
and competitive! Parents may need
attainment at age 33 was
to help teens with job finding skills
significantly related to the job
NSW Commission for Children &
including personal presentation,
aspirations expressed at age 16, but
Young People
writing a resume, how to dress for
also to the belief in one’s own ability,
P: 02 9286 7276
and speak during a job interview.
mathematical test performance,
kids@kids.nsw.gov.au
specific personality characteristics,
www.kids.nsw.gov.au
part time jobs, these can develop learning skills that can be help them
as well as social background and gender.
when seeking and adjusting to
Holiday jobs help to clarify future
full-time employment. A track record
teen job aspirations, add history to
of holding down a part-time job
resumes, provide vital links to adult
for a reasonable period of time
responsibilities and foster valuable
shows prospective employers that
learning including:
the teens are reliable and have an established work ethic. If you’re worried about part-time work interfering with schoolwork once the holiday job becomes a permanent part time job, take comfort from surveys that indicate that teens who work spend more time on homework compared with
❑❑ Being punctual and dependable ❑❑ Working with the public ❑❑ Gaining professional presentation ❑❑ Working in a team ❑❑ Increasing self-confidence
those who don’t work.
❑❑ Taking the initiative
A 17 year follow-up study of
❑❑ Getting along with all sorts of
teenagers was carried out by the City University, London UK (2001). This investigated the predictive impact of 16 year old achievements and career aspirations.
Want to Improve IT? Keyboarding?
people
Enrol in Summer
Short Courses
Keyboarding, Word, Excel & PowerPoint Starting 7 January 2010 Call 4926 1577
www.passmores.com.au
❑❑ Improving communication skills ❑❑ Developing problem-solving methods
26568
For teens holding down holiday and
www.getaheadkids.com.au
19
Health
A Kids’ Healthy
Christmas Christmas is a magical time for
❑❑ Don’t offer lemonade as a
families with presents and forbidden
drink at parties, barbeques and
sweets! Parents are faced with
celebrations as these are often
the challenge of striking the right
daily occurrences over the
balance between lots of sugary,
holidays. Did you know that one
fatty treats and encouraging a
can of lemonade can contain
healthy eating regime.
up to 17 teaspoons of sugar
The holiday season heralds the consumption of unhealthy snacks, high fat roasts and mouthwatering sweets!
and don’t replace these with diet or sugar free soft drinks as artificial sweeteners have been linked to depression, headaches, behaviour problems and more!
But with the hot Australian climate
Try juice mixed with soda water
and an abundance of fresh food, it
instead!
is wise to avoid the English Christmas tradition of roasts and puddings and change to lighter meals including seafood, cold lean meats and chicken, unsalted nuts, pretzels, salads, stone fruit and melons. Christmas is also a time for overeating and suffering the discomfit and lethargy afterwards. Instill in your kids that they can eat a little of all the food they enjoy and have the rest for leftovers tomorrow.
Kidz Bodz Checklist for Healthy Kids ❑❑ Work off the indulgences by
❑❑ If you are going out for the day pack a healthy lunch and
❑❑ Encourage the kids to help in
snacks. Most day excursion
the kitchen. This is a great idea
venues only offer expensive and
for 3 reasons: They are more
often unhealthy food options.
likely to try a variety of different
❑❑ Carry water everywhere and keep a dispenser in the fridge so your family can help themselves throughout the day. Did you know that not drinking water
foods, it gets them away from the computer and television and you get to know your kids a little better. ❑❑ For those hot summer days
can cause headaches, lack of
freeze sliced pineapple and
concentration and irritability?
orange pieces. These are a
❑❑ Chop salad vegies up and leave them in the fridge for kids to snack on throughout the day. This
great, refreshing alternative to sugar and colour filled ice blocks. Alternatively, buy plastic ice block moulds and make your
doing some physical activity
keeps their blood sugar constant
every day and include the whole
and relieves the need to grab
family. If on holidays put your
quick convenient sugar filled
book down, grab the kids and
snacks. It also helps satisfy our
desert every night. Our summer
go for a walk every morning.
quota of 5 serves of vegetables
fruits are delicious.
Day light saving provides the
each day.
opportunity to walk at the end of the day if you are working ❑❑ Resist giving chocolates or lollies to friends children as gifts. Try books instead!
20 Get Ahead Kids® Nov/Dec 09
❑❑ Have a fruit break at 10am and 2pm.
own from fresh juice. ❑❑ Make fruit salad the preferred
More Information Kidz Bodz P: 1300 731 149 enquiries@kidzbodz.com.au www.kidzbodz.com.au
Health
Australian Children 2009 A Picture of The Australian Institute of Health
Many Australian children are faring
A significant number of children
and Welfare “A Picture of Australia’s
well, but there is much scope for
spend more than the recommended
Children 2009” is the fourth in a series
further gains, particularly among
time in front of a video screen and
of national statistical reports on
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
are overweight or obese.
children aged 0–14 years.
children.
This report provides the latest data
The positive indicators include
National Child Information Advisory
on how Australian children are
significant declines in death rates
Group, “A Picture of Australia’s
faring according to key national
(especially in injury deaths), asthma
Children 2009” statistical reports
indicators of health, development
hospitalisations and improved
brings together a broad range of
and wellbeing.
survival for leukemia. There were also
indicators that cover health status,
favourable trends in immunisation
risk and protective factors, early
coverage, teenage births and
learning and education, family
smoking rates.
and community environments,
These indicators show that most children meet national physical activity guidelines and achieve national minimum standards for
The negative indicators include
reading and numeracy.
rising rates of severe child disability, diabetes and among 6 year olds, dental decay.
Drawing on the advice of the
safety and security, and system performance.
More Information www.aihw.gov.au
Our Christmas Pick
The CSIRO Wellbeing Plan for Kids Author: The CSIRO Forward: Dr Manny Noakes The CSIRO Wellbeing Plan for
This is a positive book for parents
Kids targets families and contains
that want to promote an active life
practical, well researched
and encourage healthy habits to
information, for parents to use to
point children on a path of lifelong
positively influence children’s eating
good health. It makes parenting a
and physical activity.
joy and an effortless challenge to
Even small changes can make a big difference if they become lifelong habits. This book includes: • Habits for healthy, active children • Changes for healthy eating • Easy to cook & healthy recipes
be overcome. And, the recipes are delicious for the entire family.
Age Guide: Parents
Contributors include:
Extent: 278 pages (Paperback)
Dr Jane Bowen
ISBN: 9780143008743
Dr Nadia Corsini
Price: AUD $34.95
Claire Gardner
Publisher: Penguin Group (Australia)
Dr Rebecca Golley
P: 03 9811 2498
Dr Amy Slater
www.penguin.com.au
www.getaheadkids.com.au
21
People in Focus
From Stalemate to
Singapore
By Christine Parker
The words study, exam and essay
Whilst at University, I landed a full
During this time, the Hilton team
have always paralysed me with
time job as Assistant Manager
had me work on a social media
fear. But nothing got my heart
with Sportsgirl and sacrificed my
project. After my first week at Hilton,
racing more than the year I spent at
University studies.
the Vice President of Operations for
Passmores’ Business Management College completing my Marketing & Media Diploma.
My fear of exams remained for many years and I continued to avoid further studies. I hopped from
I attended high school at Newcastle
job to job, hoping to jump to the
High and although I was a good
next level and launch into a career.
student I know now that I could have been much better. Like many other students, I got caught up in the woes of adolescence.
I‘ve always been very competitive and thirsty for success. When I was younger I use to play a lot of
Australasia signed me into the team temporarily to complete a project based on my knowledge of social media - thank you Facebook! By the end of that year, my project with Hilton was complete and my temporary position appeared to be winding up.
team and club sports, but as I got
As luck would have it, the new Area
By the time I graduated from high
older I started to do many things
President of Hilton Worldwide Asia
school in 2000 I wasn’t sure what I
on my own. These days I exercise
Pacific, happened to be visiting
wanted to do with my life.
almost every day but always alone,
Sydney and saw my presentation of
alternating between swimming,
the social media project.
Instead of going straight to University I found an expression for my love of fashion, by spending the first half
Pilates, running, walking and weights.
A few months later I was offered a position in Hilton Worldwide’s
of 2001 doing work experience for
I joined Passmores’ as a ‘mature’
Asia Pacific head office based in
several fashion magazines in Sydney.
student, having already studied
Singapore.
During that time, it became apparent that I was not going to breeze into any job without further education. In the second half of 2001, I enrolled at the University of Newcastle and started a Bachelor of Arts degree.
and worked for several years. I went back to college to focus on a career and gain an edge.
six months working in the Public Relations Department as Projects
Part of the Passmores’ course
Coordinator for Asia Pacific. My
requires students to undertake
role is mainly one of internal
six weeks of work experience in
communications.
their chosen field, mine was Public Relations. I managed to secure a four week work experience with the Australasian regional office for Hilton Worldwide, Sydney.
22 Get Ahead Kids® Nov/Dec 09
Now, I have been in Singapore for
People in Focus
I work on corporate presentations
I take part in the national sport of
and films; I relay news and press
shopping - it’s therapeutic and not
releases to all our team members
to mention unavoidable.
both on the corporate level and in our hotels across Asia Pacific.
I travel somewhere new every other month to experience new cultures.
I produce monthly newsletters
This makes me appreciate home
and compile reports on data
and the wealth of Australia.
management, market and corporate intelligence.
The words study, exam and essay still
Life in Singapore is rather effortless, the public transit system is second to none, it’s summer all year round, good food is cheap and available 24/7 and despite being an Asian
make my heart skip a beat but now I don’t avoid them because I know that I have come a long way from the girl that didn’t know what she
I’ve learned and earned the ability
English - well Singlish but they get by.
and skills to overcome my fears and
at my pool - as opposed to when
Secure Employment in Marketing, Real Estate, Hospitality, Legal & Events Enrolment 2010
NOW OPEN
wanted to do.
country just about everyone speaks
Here I spend a lot of my leisure time
Confused by your Career Options?
to focus and succeed in my chosen
Call 4926 1577
www.passmores.com.au
career.
I’m at home in Newcastle where like any red blooded Novocastrian I spend a lot of time at the beach.
y that’s wh LE O MAURIE M HAS A
Putting service and the needs of people first.
82524
Old mines and potholes can be dangerous! If you see a hole, don’t think you’re a mole, walk in the opposite direction and report your detection.
24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE PHONE 1800 248 083 www.minesub.nsw.gov.au www.getaheadkids.com.au
23
News
Aerobics Team to Compete in
World Competition A Newcastle Grammar School aerobics team has qualified to compete at the FISAF World Aerobics and Fitness Championships to take place in Le Lamentin, Martinique, located in the Caribbean, 1-5 Dec 2009. Newcastle Grammar School aerobics teams competed in the FISAF National Aerobics and Fitness Championships held in Melbourne and brought home one gold and two bronze medals. The gold medal-winning Junior Step team is made up of six Year 9 and Year 10 students and they are looking forward to the upcoming challenge of performing on an international stage. They are the only school team competing at the World Championships and have qualified to trial for the Australian Team in 2010. FISAF is an international, independent, democratic and non-profit federation dedicated to sports, aerobics and development of the aerobic and fitness industry on
Junior Step Team: Back Row: Lucy Clifton, Brittany Markey, Emily Forbes-Morton Front Row: Imogen Rothwell, Lani McKinnon, Ashley Kerkhoff
an international level. More Information Newcastle Grammar School P: 02 4929 5811 office@ngs.nsw.edu.au www.ngs.nsw.edu.au www.fisaf.org
24 Get Ahead Kids® Nov/Dec 09
News Sisters Tayla (left) and Erin Hill (right).
Sisters at the Australian
Karate Championships Three sisters from Coal Point, two of
Tayla competed in the cadet 47-54
whom are students from St Philip’s
kg division. After three tough rounds,
Christian College at Waratah, have
and defeating eight opponents, she
competed in the Australian National
emerged the individual gold medal
Pam O’Dea, the principal of St
Chitokai Karate Championship.
winner and received a silver medal
Philip’s Christian College Waratah
for her team event.
said;
represent NSW at the championships
For Tayla, who was also voted the
“We are very proud of Tayla and
held in Adelaide between the 7th
NSW Karate Federation junior sport
Erin’s efforts and success. St Philip’s
and 9th August, 2009.
star of the year, achieving the gold
aims to encourage all students to
medal in Adelaide was an exciting
grow in mind, body and spirit.”
All three sisters were selected to
The Hill sisters, Erin 17 years; Tayla 15 years and Renee 12 years all share a passion for karate. Tayla and Erin collected a gold, a silver and two bronze medals between them. Erin and Tayla began their studies
success. Her sister, Erin, now in year 11, continued the excellent form in the Junior 53-59kg division achieving two bronze medals. Erin was also named competitor of the year in her local club, and is a karate instructor.
More Information Andrew Johnston Head of Sport St Philip’s Christian College P: 02 4960 6600 www.spcc.nsw.edu.au
of karate at an early age and have progressed to holding second degree and first degree black belt.
www.getaheadkids.com.au
25
News
Alexandra Fitch competing in the Giant Slalom
Snowsports Successes for Lakes Grammar Students 14 year olds, Casey Mayall and
Alex has also been named for the
Alexandra Fitch attended the
Institute of Sport Snowboarding
Northern Region Interschools
Development Squad - a future
SnowSports Championships.
Olympians program.
Casey gained 2nd place in the
In addition Lakes Grammar school
Snowboarder Cross and Alex won
was named by Ski and Snowboard
the Giant Slalom individual event.
Australia as the 2009 NSW/ACT
This is two years in a row that these
School Snowsports Club of the Year.
girls have managed to place at the National Championships. Alex and Casey became NSW champions for both Snowboarding events (Giant Slalom & Boarder Cross in Division 3 - Years 7 & 8).
More Information Liz Evans
RESERVE YOUR PLACE 2010 Kinder & Year 7 Enrolments
2 010
Lakes Grammar-An Anglican School P: 02 4393 4111 liz.evans@lakes.nsw.edu.au www.lakes.nsw.edu.au
High Quality Academic Programs at Affordable Prices Buses from Swansea & Erina Enquire Today Call 4993 4111 enrolments@lakes.nsw.edu.au www.lakes.nsw.edu.au
26 Get Ahead Kids速 Nov/Dec 09
News
Michelle Bridges Wins Heat 2 in ‘Celebrity MasterChef’ Newcastle-raised Michelle Bridges
She has established a reputation as
featured in the first Australian version
a tough trainer and practises what
of Celebrity MasterChef.
she preaches, by putting herself
The new TV show Celebrity MasterChef premiered in October
through grueling weights and fitness sessions.
2009 and Michelle is one of 18
Michelle is best known for training
Australian celebrities battling it out
contestants on Channel Ten’s reality
to become the best amateur chef in
show The Biggest Loser.
this country.
Michelle is our Celebrity in Spotlight
7 October 2009, Michelle Bridges
featured in the March/April 2010
beat former Hi-5 performer Kathleen
edition of Get Ahead Kids, which
de Leon Jones and journalist Peter
features physical education.
FitzSimons to make the semi-finals with her winning dish “Moroccan Spiced Lamb with Eggplant and
More Information www.michellebridges.com.au
Currant Couscous”.
www.getaheadkids.com.au
27
Reviews
Dream Baby ® Launches
Stay-Put Cutlery & Bowl Set Mealtime for babies and toddlers
“The Stay-Put Cutlery & Bowl Set has
Parents should always monitor
can be a hazardous and messy.
a flexible coil cord with a gentle
children during mealtimes even
retention action that replicates the
after they can eat independently.
How often have you been pelted by flying cutlery and flooded with food remains? Now for the first time, there is a solution! The Stay-Put Cutlery &
hand-to-mouth feeding movement. Children’s hands are gently returned
comprises of a fork, spoon, and
to the bowl once they have taken a
matching bowl with a super-strong
mouthful.”
suction pad. The set is available
Bowl Set defies gravity and helps to
The suction pads have ultra-strong
teach babies and toddlers the art of
adhesion properties to ensure that
independent eating.
cutlery is anchored securely to
Carolyn Ziegler, Director of Dream Baby®, the driving force behind the Australian launch of the Stay-Put Cutlery & Bowl Set explains;
The Stay-Put Cutlery & Bowl Set
any smooth non-porous surface. This helps to make mealtimes less chaotic and more enjoyable.
through Kmart, Big W and various baby stores. The RRP is $19.95. More Information P: (02) 9386 4000 sales@tee-zed.com.au www.dream-baby.com
The Stay-Put Cutlery & Bowl Set reduces children’s frustrations as they can determine the speed they
5 to Giveaway!
want eat and the amount. Eating problems are also less likely to develop as children begin to explore the wonderful world of food. Once children master the ability to feed themselves, they rarely want to go back to being fed by an adult.
Get Ahead Kids have 5 Dream Baby® Stay-Put Cutlery & Bowl Sets to giveaway (Valued at $19.95 each). Sets are available in blue (2), pink (2) or yellow (1). Special thanks to Dream Baby® for these fantastic giveaways. For your chance to win visit www.getaheadkids.com.au follow the giveaway link and fill in your details.
28 Get Ahead Kids® Nov/Dec 09
Reviews
e r u t i n r u Unique F Robertson Commercial Joinery
This quality furniture is eye-catching
(RCJ) is an innovative family
and customised for use in libraries,
owned and operated business that
schools, childcare centres and
manufactures exclusive, functional
offices.
furniture.
Their offerings include:
Greg and Cindy-Lee Robertson, the business owners, monitor products for quality and oversee every aspect of business operations.
• Book boxes • Library furniture • Kids furniture
Cindy Lee states:
• Preschool furniture
“We provide an extensive range of
• Office furniture
high quality, durable furniture that is tailored to the unique needs of our clients.
NG
HI C T A
FUR
Get Ahead Kids® was impressed with the striking book boxes, especially
E
UR T I N
-C
EYE
Preschool furniture
Book Boxes
Library furniture
Kids furniture Office furniture
as they would encourage children
If you have an idea or theme for
to gravitate towards them and the
your library, school, childcare centre
books stored within.
or office we pull out all stops to turn that idea into reality” Our staff go that extra mile in customer service, both in the workshop or on-site.”
More Information
Robertson Commercial Joinery P: (07) 3888 7883 admin@rcj.net.au www.rcj.net.au
Greg & Cindy-Lee Robertson Robertson Commercial Joinery P: 07 3888 7883 admin@rcj.net.au www.rcj.net.au
Teachers Aides play a critical part in supporting the classroom teacher with children with additional needs.
Gain Your Teachers Aide Qualification in ONE Year
Course includes supporting reading, behaviour management, communication & using specialist resources. 1300 660 063
|
Enrolment: Rolling enrolment! Enroll anytime! Time: Day Class - 10:00am - 1:00pm Evening Class - 6.30pm - 8.30pm Duration: 1 day or evening per week + distance education study + workplace experience Certification: CHC30808 Certificate III in Education Support Venue: ICCC,146 Lambton Rd, Broadmeadow Cost: $200.00 per unit
info@childcarecollege.com.au
|
www.childcarecollege.com.au
www.getaheadkids.com.au
29
Reviews Our Junior Pick
Pixarpedia: A Complete Guide to the World of Pixar… And Beyond! Author: DK Publishing Travel behind the scenes and discover the magical world of the animation giant Disney•Pixar with
My Private Pectus Author: Shane Thamm My Private Pectus is a story about adolescence, friendship, cars, footy and girls. It is a light-hearted, yet serious portrayal of the life of Jack
a historical tour and secrets behind
Finally an encyclopaedia worth
their movie-making processes. This
reading!
guide may take a while to read but it will be worth it!
Age Guide: 10+ Years Extent: 300 Pages (Hardback)
Pixarpedia is filled with edge to
ISBN: 9781405337366
edge pictures and movie stills from
Price: AUD$69.95
popular Disney•Pixar films such as
Publisher: Dorling Kindersley
Toy Story, Monsters Inc and Nemo.
Distributor: Penguin Group (Australia)
believe.
Each film is given its own chapter,
P: 03 9811 2400
which features main character
www.penguin.com.au
Jack has been plagued by a
biographies, as well as a chance
congenital chest deformity known
to get to know the villains and
as Pectus Excavatum, a secret that
supporting characters.
McDermott, a typical teenager in Year 12, at least that what his friends
he has kept hidden until now. His life is turned upside down when his father lands a job as rugby coach at his high school. Pushed into playing rugby, he is expected to follow his father’s footsteps by joining the army. But Jack decides on a different path for his future.
Swerve Author: Phillip Gwynne
This book is a must read for those
Swerve is a young adult novel that
wanting to get inside the mind of
tells the story of 16 year old Hugh
a teenage boy struggling to find
Twycross, a talented cellist with a
his place in the world. It is however,
bright future.
recommended for older readers
After discovering his estranged
This book is a journey of self-
grandfather, Hugh unexpectedly
discovery, a great book for young
joins him on a journey from Sydney
boys in particular who are confused
Age Guide: 13+ Years
to Uluru in his 1970 Holden HT
about their future and their transition
Extent: 288 Pages (Paperback)
Monaro.
to adulthood.
due to the casual drinking and occasional drug use references.
ISBN: 9781876462833 Price: AUD$19.95 Publisher: Ford Street Publishing P: 03 9481 1120 www.fordstreetpublishing.com
Hugh loves cars and racing, a passion that does not fit into his
Age Guide: 13+ Years
mapped out life. His grandfather
Extent: 232 Pages (Paperback)
encourages his passion and during
ISBN: 9780143009337
the trip teaches Hugh things that
Price: AUD$19.95
have not been touched in his formal
Publisher: Penguin Books Australia
education.
P: 03 9811 2549 www.penguin.com.au
30 Get Ahead Kids® Nov/Dec 09
Reviews
The Poo Pop-Up Book: What Goes In...Must Come Out! Authors: Gaby Goldsack Illustrator: Ian Dicks This book explains what poo is, why
Age Guide: 4+ Years
we do it, what it is made of and how
Extent: 10 Pages (Hardback)
different animals do it.
ISBN: 9781741695199
The Poo Pop-Up Book is a highly interactive book with multiple pop-ups and interesting facts. It can be fascinating for young children
Price: AUD$24.99 Publisher: Scholastic Australia P: 02 9416 4000 www.scholastic.com.au
already interested in their own poo.
An Aussie Night Before Christmas
“It does not cost any more to help our environment at NCP Printing.”
Author: Yvonne Morrison Illustrator: Kilmeny Niland Yvonne Morrison’s writes a humorous Aussie take of the famous poem ‘‘Twas the Night before Christmas’. Christmas in the Australian summer
Extent: 32 Pages (Hardback)
means kangaroos, utes, sunburnt
ISBN: 9781865046532
Santa and creative presents.
Price: AUD$17.99
An enjoyable rhyming book splashed with Aussie icons and colloquialisms.
Publisher: Scholastic Australia P: 02 9416 4000 www.scholastic.com.au
17 Arnott Street Newcastle West NSW 2302 Tel: 02 4926 1300 Fax: 02 4926 5557 Email: sales@ncp.com.au Web: www.ncp.com.au
Age Guide: 5+ Years Cert no. SGS-COC-005911
I Spy Dad! Author: Janeen Brian Illustrator: Chantel Stewart This is a rhyming tale that follows a
Age Guide: 2-4 Years
little girl’s quest to find her dad. It
Extent: 32 Pages (Hardback)
features big writing and expressive,
ISBN: 9781921042171
fun illustrations and is excellent for
Price: AUD$24.95
reading out loud.
Publisher: New Frontier Publishing P: 02 9453 1525 www.newfrontier.com.au
www.getaheadkids.com.au
31
E E R F L A T I G I D ON I T I ED FREE
Vol . 1 • No. 6 • Nov /De c
09
Reviews
Zou
Chester and Gil
Author: Michael Gay
Author: Carol Faulkner
Zou, the resourceful Zebra, has awakened early and wants to
The experiences of two goldfish
climb in bed with his mother and
confined to a round goldfish bowl
father. But it’s too early and they
are bipolar depending on their level
are grumpy. So he needs to find a
of optimism.
way to wake them up...lots and lots of coffee…this plan is fraught with problems that Zou has a delightful way of solving. This is a heart tugging tale that is
Get Ahead Kids® digital is distributed to families, preschools, schools and libraries Australia wide.
Back to School Issue Due Dec 09 Subscribe Online www.getaheadkids.com.au 32 Get Ahead Kids® Nov/Dec 09
The power of the mind to change experiences resonates with adults as well as children. Stunning gold and blue illustrations.
illustrated mainly in black, white and
Age Guide: 3-6 Years
gold colours.
Extent: 32 Pages (Hardback)
Age Guide: 2+ Years
Get Ahead Kids® is a bimonthly educational magazine for families on the go.
Illustrator: Ann James
Extent: 32 Pages (Paperback) ISBN: 9781877467202 Price: $14.99 Publisher: Gecko Press for Scholastic P: +64 4381 4476
ISBN: 9781862915848 Price: AUD$26.99 Publisher: Omnibus Books for Scholastic Australia P: 02 4328 3555 www.scholastic.com.au
www.geckopress.com
Welcome to the Wonderful World of the WotWots Author: Martin Baynton This colourful book introduces readers to the world and adventures of the alien twins SpottyWot (boy) and DottyWot
Age Guide: 3-6 Years
(girl). It’s based on the ABC TV
Extent: 48 Pages (Hardback)
series and features activities,
ISBN: 9780733325472
rhyming tales, a fusion of
Price: AUD$14.99
caricatures and real life photos of
Publisher: ABC Books a Division of
zoo animals. A joy to read!
HarperCollinsPublishers P: 02 9952 5000 www.harpercollins.com.au
Activity Zone
Hidden Words Can you find 10 words hidden within
Confident
Literacy
Reading
Champions
count, the words must be in the
dictionary and letters may only be
these words? Letters may be moved, names don’t
used twice if they appear twice in the word. Puzzle by Nicole van Wyk Literacy Teacher (02) 4465 4428
Wrapped Up!
Starting at 1, can you follow the numbers and connect the dots to reveal what the elves have put on top of the present?
An Aussie Day Before Christmas Activity Book
12 13
A softback fun activity book with
19
10
over 80 stickers, puzzles and games, things to make and do, an Aussie
14
9 7
6
1 27
appropriate skills in counting, 4
15 21
3
20
22 23
8
5
This colourful book develops age reading, spot-the-difference,
18
16
11
Author: Kilmeny Niland
Christmas is fun for you!
17
26
24
25
2
word-object association and creativity. Its Aussie icons are great. Age Guide: 3-5 Years Extent: 32 pages (Softback) ISBN: 9781741694420 Price: AUD$8.99 Publisher: Scholastic Australia P: 02 9416 4000
What colour would you make your present?
www.scholastic.com.au
www.getaheadkids.com.au
33
Index
Article Themes 2010 January/February
Advertisers Index
Back to School Ad Booking Deadline Nov 6, 2009
Arrendell Primary Education Centre
15
Centennial Coal
13
March/April
Essential Moves Children’s Centre
13
Physical Education
Free To Be Me
5
Ad Booking Deadline Feb 5, 2010
Get Ahead Learning
2
Editorial Deadline Feb 12, 2010
GymbaROO
9
Editorial Deadline Nov 11, 2009
Hunter Development Corporation
19
Hunter Valley Grammar School
17
Ad Booking Deadline Mar 26, 2010
International Childcare College
29
Editorial Deadline Apr 6, 2010
Just BE You
27
Karrawong Kindy
15
Lakes Grammar – An Anglican School
26
Metroll Newcastle
35
Mine Subsidence Board
23
NCP Printing
31
September/October
Newcastle Grammar School
36
Study & Assessment
NSW DII Tocal
11
Ad Booking Deadline Aug 6, 2010
Passmores’ Business &
May/June Languages & Communications
July/August Learning Innovations & Technology Ad Booking Deadline May 28, 2010 Editorial Deadline Jun 4, 2010
Editorial Deadline Aug 13, 2010
November/December Summer Learning Ad Booking Deadline Nov 19, 2010
Management College
19 & 23
Robertson Commercial Joinery
29
Smallprint
31
St Philips Christian Education Foundation
25
Editorial Deadline Nov 26, 2010 For more advertising information please contact Maria Charlton MAP Marketing maria@mapmarketing.com.au P: 02 4929 7766
FREE
Jan /Fe No . 1 • Vol . 2 •
b 10
Celebrity Spotlight Mikey Robins
Back to School Issue Jan/Feb 2010 34 Get Ahead Kids Nov/Dec 09
Advertisers media kit & booking form are available from www.getaheadkids.com.au
Patios
Sheds
Enjoy the Carports
Summer Outdoors with Your Family... Easy to install, build & maintain
Fencing
Long-lasting & durable Stylish COLORBOND速 steel colours Materials can be recycled Guaranteed for up to 10 years* Requires no termite treatment
Rainwater Tanks
Metroll Newcastle
268 Macquarie Road Warners Bay NSW 2282 * Conditions apply
02 4954 5799
www.metrollnewcastle.com.au
HEAD START
IN LIFE
Children thrive in a happy, safe and secure environment – that’s why Newcastle Grammar School’s Junior Campus allows its Students to feel secure in their early years of primary education. The School provides the structure and discipline required for young children to develop both socially and academically.
PRE-SCHOOL The Pre-school caters for children in the year before Kindergarten. Our hand-picked, caring and qualified staff work in a safe, fun and challenging environment that allows children to explore, experiment, create, discover and interact, developing the skills recognised as the foundations for a balanced life. Limited Pre-school places are available for 2011.
HOLISTIC EDUCATION
The School offers the very best all round holistic education including involvement in sport, music and creative arts.
JUNIOR SCHOOL
Students from Kindergarten to Year 4 are taught in an environment that is warm, friendly and supportive. The small class sizes allow for individual attention and are coupled with the very best in technology including interactive whiteboards and computers in each room.
YEAR 3 IN FOCUS • • • • •
The beginning of the ‘Primary’ years of education. Small class sizes - currently 16 students per class. Every student receives a programme book to organise their time and to aid communication between the School and parents. Curriculum includes drama, choir, French, strings and a specialised sport programme utilising the School’s facilities at Howzat Sports & Fitness Centre. First overnight excursion plus visits to the Art Gallery and the Botanical Gardens.
EXTRA SERVICES
After School Care and Vacation Care available for Pre-school to Year 6. Private Music Tuition, Speech and Drama Tuition. Exclusive Bus Service operates daily from Toronto, Caves Beach and Maitland.
TOURS Individual tours of both Park Campus (Pre-school to Year 4) and Hill Campus (Years 5 to 12) can be pre-arranged by phoning 4929 5811.
LIMITED PLACES ARE AVAILABLE IN SOME YEARS FOR ACCEPTING
2010
ENROLMENTS FOR 2011 & BEYOND
Newcastle Grammar School p: (02) 4929 5811
w: ngs.nsw.edu.au