NewsBites for Kidz Feb 14 2004

Bob Bishop, the Math Magician, has delighted students in kindergarten through sixth grade and teachers with his magic skills and math abilities over the past week.

"Math is so necessary in life," he said. "It's not just making math fun, but it's also trying to attach some sense of understanding for students."

Fifth grade teacher Vicki Reeder's class had the opportunity to spend some time with Bishop while working on problem solving skills.

Students worked with calculators, the box of magic, learned how to do multiplication tables with their fingers, played a game called fast and loose and other activities.

During a game of fast and loose, Bishop produced a single chain and proceeded to fold it into a series of loops.

Students were asked to pick a loop and place their finger inside it. If they had guessed correctly the loop would stay around their finger. However, if they guessed incorrectly, the loop would slip away.

"You will win if you know mathematics, but you'll lose if you don't," Bishop said.

Students learned how to follow the loops and determine the correct place to put their fingers.

Bishop has been performing for students and other audiences for 10 years and says he continually teaches students and teachers how math can be fun.

He said many students work with arithmetic but don't fully understand problem solving skills.

With the help of a little magic, students are forced to observe the environment around them for any changes and think about possible outcomes.

"Generally students don't really care to do math because it's not fun," Bishop said. "By making it interesting and proving to them they can do it, it helps to raise their self-esteem and interest level in math."

Bishop will perform along with Tendoy Elementary students at 6:30 p.m. today for a Math Night.

Fifth grade student Quinci Shelley is acting as Bishop's assistant during the show and said she can't wait to perform for other students.

"I think it's cool and it's a good opportunity for us," she said. "Some people don't like math, but when they see this show it sparks their interest."

Fifth grade student Brant Leo will lead the audience in applause, but said working with Bishop has been great because he's learned new things.

"He's helping students to improve their math by using cool tricks," he said.

Bishop also worked with teachers after school and gave them various activities they can do with students in their classrooms.

"By making math fun, students will learn to enjoy it more and it will give them a sense of pride as they figure out difficult problems," he said.

http://www.journalnet.com/articles/2004/02/12/news/local/news07.txt

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HEALTH

Outdoor lessons for 'couch kids' яПН:WALES

Feb. 12 2004

Children in Wales are being given special "lessons" in how to have fun outdoors amid worries that a generation is growing up scared of playing outside.

Experts worry that computer games and television are partly responsible for this fear, as well as contributing to childhood obesity.

A new approach to teaching is gaining prominence in Wales, where youngsters as young as four are taken to woodlands to learn all sorts of skills.

The Forest School, which originated in Scandinavia in the 1950s, is already being used with children near Ebbw Vale, south Wales, and at Newtown, Machynlleth and Presteigne in mid Wales.

Whereas climbing trees, building dens and exploring woodlands used to be everyday activities for children, experts say many now rarely venture into the outdoors.

Forest School may be of particular benefit to a whole generation of children affected by fear that outdoor play is now unsafe

Dr Trisha Maynard

Researchers from Swansea University say the Forest School can improve children's physical and language skills, build confidence and improve their attitudes towards learning.

The university was commissioned by Swansea Council to study the effects of the method on youngsters in a reception class and special teaching facility in the city.

Children between the ages of four and seven years-old were encouraged to climb trees, take part in team games, saw logs and build dens as part of their lessons.

Dr Trisha Maynard, head of early childhood studies at the university, said although the study was on a small-scale and the short-term findings needed to be confirmed by further research, early indications were extremely positive.

Solitary lifestyle

"Forest School may be of particular benefit to a whole generation of children affected by fear that outdoor play is now unsafe," she said.

"This has been linked to children experiencing a more solitary and sedentary lifestyle based around the computer and television as well as increasing childhood obesity."

"The team found that involvement in Forest School appeared to have a particularly positive impact on the development of children's physical skills, language skills and feelings of confidence."

She said it was particularly effective for children with special needs in improving their ability to learn through movement, touch and in some cases hearing and sight.

The early years children were very hesitant during the first session because they were so used to indoor play

Education officer Helen Howlett

Welsh Education Minister Jane Davidson is said to have a keen interest, and last year was a speaker at a Forest School conference.

A pilot project run by the Gwent Wildlife Trust at the Silent Valley Nature Reserve at Cwm, near Ebbw Vale, has just been completed.

Education officer Helen Howlett said a group of disaffected teenagers had also taken part.

"The early years children were very hesitant during the first session because they were so used to indoor play," she explained.

"To see their confidence, language and motor skills develop was very exciting.

"It works for all children, the bright ones, the middle ones and the ones of lesser abilities and for any age group.

"If you ask people what their happiest memories are most people think about the outdoors and lot of children are missing out on that."

Story from BBC NEWS

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/south_west/3481735.stm

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FASHION

Do clothes maketh the student? : UK

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By Brady Haran

BBC News Online, East MidlandsяПН

Does wearing a school uniform create a better learning environment?

Or are students treated with more respect if they can dress like adults?

These questions are being posed by a school in Loughborough, Leicestershire.

Burleigh Community College currently allows students to wear casual clothes, but problems with violence have prompted a review.

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Burleigh students can wear what they want

Principal John Smith says: "There was a fair amount of tension within Loughborough about 18 months ago... and there were people who came on site and were looking for trouble and we could not identify who those people were."

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яПНDavid Beckham dresses for work... it is about putting on a uniform for the job

Principal John SmithяПН

He also believes that uniforms look better.

"Burleigh has got some smashing students and I'm really proud to be principal here, but sometimes the way they look lets them down.

"A few months ago we had a visitor come to the school who said 'My, aren't they scruffy'.

"We get bad press sometimes because of they way students look, not what they do."

Before the school's governors make a decision, parents, teachers and students are being given their say.

In a consultation letter sent to parents, the school outlines numerous benefits of wearing a uniform, such as:

Creates a feeling of identity and commitment to the school

Pupils feel dressed for work rather than leisure

A uniform is an inexpensive set of clothes for school

Truancy more difficult in a uniform

Stops a 'fashion parade' and discrimination based on dress

Mr Smith says: "David Beckham dresses for work when he puts on his football kit... it is about putting on a uniform for the job and the purpose you are here for."

During consultation so far, Mr Smith says parents have supported the idea of school uniforms, but the school's students, aged 14-19, generally oppose the plan.

BBC News Online discussed the proposal with three students who had differing views.

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яПНThere would be a lot of disruption and a lot of chaos

Lisa PeryerяПН

Jim Smithers believes there should not be a uniform, but he would support a stricter dress code to "smarten up" the look of students.

He says: "Teachers aren't just teachers in this school, they treat us as adults.

"I think that if you've got a uniform, they will think that you are just their student and they have got absolute control over you."

Nikita Kakaiya supports the introduction of uniforms for all pupils except those in sixth form.

"There have been fights between different religions, and I'm guessing it's because of what they wear.

"It does bring a large problem into the school, which is why a uniform should be introduced."

Lisa Peryer is one of many students opposed to the idea.

She says: "Wearing your own clothes you feel more relaxed and comfortable and I think it's a better working environment.

"Things like a blazer are quite restraining and you can't work properly.

"If they brought it in, there would be a lot of disruption and a lot of chaos."

A decision about Burleigh's dress code is expected next month.

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http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/leicestershire/3483245.stm

KIDS GET GLOBAL

Foreign students get a taste of IllinoisяПН

By Nadine Kenney | Staff writer, Daily Illini

Published Thursday, February 12, 2004

Illinois, USA- Students from Austria, Ukraine, and the United States sipped drinks and mingled over loud music at It's Brothers Bar and Grill Thursday night. The event was just one of many International Illini events held throughout the year to promote integration between international and American students.

Though at first participants seemed reluctant to talk with students from other countries, slowly the groups of American and international students broke the ice. The groups chatted about everyday things яПН class, work, partying, and the like.

International students who recently arrived at the University are adapting to American culture despite some of the differences between here and home. International Illini sponsored the event to break down such cultural barriers.

Karolina Szczepanska, junior in business, came to Champaign in January from Austria. She said classes run differently. In Austria university students have one final and attendance is not as important, she said. Although the dress is much more casual here and the food is different, she said she likes the people.

"The people here are very friendly and helpful," Szczepanska said.

Edward Giebel, senior in business, also from Austria, noticed some other differences. There are 50 different buildings for studying at the University, he said, as opposed to the one building at his university in Austria.

One thing about America Giebel said he likes: "The cheap beer."

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International Illini currently has about 1,800 people on their e-mail list, made up of American students who have studied abroad, international students who are studying at the University and people interested in international affairs.

Depending on the event, the club usually gets a big turnout, especially at their Turkey Run in the fall, she said. The Turkey Run is an all-day event in Indiana where students cook out and get to know each other. Other events include pumpkin picking, a Halloween party and a home football game.

"I think the international students are most amazed by the marching band at halftime," Anton said. "They also like when the fireworks go off after someone has scored."

The organization tries to expose students to events close to local culture. Happy hours, bowling nights and barndances are also included in their calendar.

"We try to give them a classic U of I experience," Anton said about the barndace. "The international students probably think it is pretty bizarre."

In addition to their events, the International Illini are involved with the Buddy Program, Culture Zone and Speakers' Bureau.

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"With the Buddy Program we are trying to integrate international students into University culture," said Jaclyn Lipow, senior in LAS.

Lipow studied abroad in England and backpacked throughout Europe last summer. She recently was paired up with an international student to attend events and hang out with.

"It's a great way to meet new people," Lipow said.

Culture Zone is a program where students who have studied abroad or are studying abroad at the University go to elementary school classrooms and inform them about the country they are from or have visited.

"In this way the students build a more aware community and teach the students about recreation, food and clothing from that culture," Anton said.

Students said they benefitted from the International Illini events despite cultural differences.

"You get to meet all different kinds of people here," said Mike Matsman, a graduate student from Ukraine.

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/story.php?story=533

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Students from Africa try new experience, new weather : MINNESOTA, USA

By Matt Merritt/Austin Daily Herald

яПН Coming to a new country can be a trying experience, with language barriers and cultural differences causing both frustration and confusion.

A group of Riverland Community College students from Togo, Africa, however, have managed to fit right in without even trying, picking up the popular Minnesota pastime of complaining about the weather.

Arriving and coming off the plane, Gaelle Wilson fell. "It was so cold."

Many of the students from Togo arrived in Minnesota in mid-January, right before the second semester began. They will stay for two years, studying in the English as a second language program at the college.

The students arrived right before the big dump of snow across the area. For most, it was the first time they have ever seen snow.

It does not snow in Togo, sunshine or rain are the only major elements to the weather forecasts. Coats, mittens and hats can be purchased there, but the only people that buy those items are one leaving the country, according to Senyo Agbodkou.

The students had that equipment to deal with the snowfall. They were surprised, nonetheless. Agbodkou could not imagine a more extreme climate.

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"I think it is the coldest city in the United States," he said. "Is that true?"

Noel Komlan said the worst part was that initial shock. He caught a cold almost immediately upon arriving in the United States.

"The first time it was a problem because we were very frozen," he said.

Since then, however, they have learned to deal with the weather. Komlan came to school Friday with no coat, wearing a short-sleeved button-up shirt.

Agbodkou has also amended his initial opinion, although he will not go so far as to say he enjoys the snow.

"I think the weather is acceptable," he said.

http://www.austindailyherald.com/articles/2004/02/14/news/news4.txt

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Foreign language week exposes students to culture :MICHIGAN, USA

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By DAVE GROVES, The Daily Oakland PressяПН

February 14, 2004

A group of Avondale High School students sat down to lunch and started talking about the day's events.

This wasn't an ordinary conversation, however. As part of Foreign Language Week activities, the group of Spanish students had to speak completely in their non-native tongue.

In fact, outside of conversations with non-foreign language teachers, all foreign language students were banned from speaking English.

Nibbling on cafeteria fare and bagged lunches, the students used plenty of hand gestures and paused occasionally in mid-sentence.

"You have to use your hands to figure out what people are talking about," said senior Nancy Battaglini.

For the most part, however, they conversed freely - laughing and frequently jumping into the dialogue.

"It makes you feel good because you see you really can carry on a conversation without a teacher's help," said Angelica Arnold.

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At a nearby table, a group of French-speaking students were enjoying themselves.

"In our classroom, we have to speak only French anyway," said sophomore Alexandra Tatu.

The real challenge, students said, was having to speak to students and teachers not versed in a foreign language.

"The lady in the lunch line said, 'Hey, you speak French. Are you from France?'" said Susan Saunders.

Twelfth-grade Spanish student Karen Bohne was amused by a similar challenge.

"It really takes some thinking, because you might want to talk to a friend who speaks German and all you speak is Spanish," she said.

Laura Nork, an Avondale French teacher, said Thursday's mission was more than a fun way to put developing language skills to use. It also helps recruit new foreign language students, she said.

With a growing number of colleges and universities requiring foreign language skills, and southeastern Michigan welcoming an increasingly diverse population, awareness of other languages and cultures can only help, she said.

"As Americans, we tend to be a bit egocentric and think everyone else in the world will speak English. But that's not the case," she said.

"If we want to be competitive globally, this really is an essential skill the kids will need."

Weeklong activities also included craft-making, a fund-raising dinner and student video productions highlighting cultural events and customs. This is the 12th year for the event at Avondale High School.

"The kids get so excited about it that they start talking about what we'll be doing months before we get to February," Nork said.

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http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=10969682&BRD=982&PAG=461&dept_id=129889&rfi=6

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KIDS HELPING ANIMALS

Students care for injured goose : яПНPittsburgh, USA

By Tawnya Panizzi, Staff writer,яПН The Herald

February 12, 2004

HAMPTON, Pittsburgh, USA: This gander's got it better than most geese ever did.

Students at Winchester Thurston School have taken under their wing an injured Canada goose that was left behind last fall when its flock migrated from their home on the school's pond.

It now nests in a white plastic dog igloo and feasts each day from sacks of dried corn donated by students and staff.

But the 85 elementary students have quickly realized that the goose should not be mistaken for a pet.

"He'll like really run away if you get too close," said 7-year-old Erica Chang of Fox Chapel. "Even if you walk slowly."

School Director Nancy Rogers has transformed the outreach into a science lesson, teaching students the importance of wildlife independence. She's incorporated the animal's care into daily science lessons on domestic and wild animals, life cycles and habitat.

"If he sees you feeding him, he'll probably still depend on you when he's better," Erica said.

For the past month, the group has taken on the task of feeding the animal surreptitiously.

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Each day, two students wait for the goose to waddle around the seven-acre campus along Middle Road. While he's away from his bed, they sprinkle dried corn near his igloo and scurry back to class before he makes his way home.

"It's good to feed him because he can't get very much food by himself," said third-grader Maclean Calihan.

The 8-year-old seemed genuinely taken by the animal's welfare. She's so far resisted the urge to name her feathery friend, but looks forward to tracking his recovery each day -- even though it's not the most unique "pet" she's had.

"We've always had a good wildlife selection in our backyard at home," said Maclean, of O'Hara. "We have deer and turkeys, but nothing like this."

Science teacher Heather Capezzuti said the children surprised her with their insight. They realize that independence is integral to the goose's survival.

"We thought they'd all want to pet it and name it," she said. "But they've been very sensitive to the fact that it is a wild animal."

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Winchester Thurston has long been home to at least two flocks of geese that return each spring to nest near the pond. Rogers said observing the geese and their goslings is always an exciting lesson for students.

When they realized that the papa goose was injured and could not fly away with its flock, students expressed their concern to Rogers.

"As it became colder, and we realized he may not be able to care for himself as well, the students wanted to help," she said.

Rogers and Capezzuti contacted the state game commission, which suggested that the school provide shelter, food and water.

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"With a broken wing, he may not be able to keep himself as warm," Capezzuti said. "He still eats grass on his own, but since it's been snowing we try to sneak food out there when he's not around to supplement it."

The school's picturesque setting with its surrounding fields and woodlands is a natural enhancement to the first-hand ecology lesson.

Still, a glimpse into the goose's environment didn't seem to impress kindergartner Trip Calihan of O'Hara.

More important to Trip than the animal's mending wing is the fact that the student's stave off its loneliness until the flock returns in May.

"He looks in the windows and gets to see us!" Trip said.

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/herald/s_179126.html

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ENVIRONMENT

Pupils plants seeds for the futureяПНяПН :Canada

DEBORA VAN BRENK, Free Press ReporterяПНяПНяПН 2004-02-14яПН

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Kids, seeds and dirt proved a potent recipe for tree-growing yesterday. Two classes of Grade 3 pupils from Stoneybrook Heights school planted 800 tree seeds at the Thames secondary school greenhouses.

Along the way, they learned lessons about horticulture, ecology and the need to grow plant species that are native to this area.

But the biggest draw was dirt. Dirt on their fingers, under their nails, on their clothes and in their hair.

Some of them almost literally buried themselves in their work.

"I love this," crowed Dean Glasman as he poured flower-pots filled with potting soil into planting trays. "I love the dirt because it feels good."

Classmate Amy Tian said she plants vegetables in the spring at home, but this topped it all. "I think it's really fun. You get to spread the slime around."

Another side benefit was the occasional discovery of wriggly things. "I look for worms," Holly Virago said.

But gardeners such as Monique Malo, lending a hand from Woodstock Developmental Services, seriously and quietly prepared the soil.

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The pupils' work is part of a project called Trees for Tomorrow, in which area residents will plant 15,000 native tree seeds, including black and red oak, black walnut and green ash in London and Middlesex, Oxford and Elgin counties.

In about a month, the seeds will have sprouted some green. After 12 weeks, about 15 centimetres high, they'll be transplanted to a garden for a year before they're replanted into public spaces in the community.

Put to the test about why trees are important, the pupils said they're good for cleaning the air, for paper, food, habitat, furniture and shade.

They weren't quite so conversant about the finer points of tree cultivation, such as why acorns go into the soil with the pointy side up.

"Because you can't have an underground tree," volunteered one lad. "That would mess everything up down there."

Cobi Sauder, who co-ordinates the Trees for Tomorrow program, said this fills a need for locally grown trees that are native to the area.

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Even the region's ash population -- with an uncertain future because of the almost-inevitable advance of the emerald ash borer -- may be able to stave off long-term doom with a replanting such as this, she said.

The first crop of seedlings, planted as seeds two years ago, will be ready for planting this spring. Two years from now, this year's gardeners may well help relocate this crop of seedlings into their neighbourhoods, Sauder said.

http://www.canoe.ca/NewsStand/LondonFreePress/News/2004/02/14/346955.html

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Lawmakers, Students Lobby To Name State's Amphibian: Ohio, USA

Reported by: 9News

2/14/04 Ohio, USA: State lawmakers are working with school children to make a big decision -- choosing the state amphibian.

The leading candidates are the American toad and the bullfrog -- both can be found in all of Ohio's 88-counties.

http://www.wcpo.com/news/2004/local/02/14/stateamphib.html

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VALENTINE'S DAY---WITH A TWIST

Pune students redefine Valentine's Day: India

яПНIndia News 14-February-2004яПН

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Pune, Maharashtra: University students here Saturday redefined the concept of Valentine's Day by distributing naturally carved mineral and rock samples and extolling the virtues of conservation.

"Instead of exchanging red roses, we exchanged beautifully and naturally carved mineral and rock samples collected from all over India during our field trips," Kuhelee Chatterjee of Pune University's geology department told IANS.

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The rock samples included zeolite, calcite, amethyst, marbles, banded agate, kyanite, echinoid (star fish), coral and tritonium (snail) could be used as table decorations or paper weights.

Dressed in an attire representing various Indian states, the students and staff took out a procession and pledged to conserve the environment.

In a symbolic gesture to underscore unity and diversity, they carried an urn containing soil brought from various parts of the country.

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"Students took a pledge to protect the beauty of the earth, her soil, and to encourage sustainable development of the resources by maintaining harmony in the nature", said Yuvaraj Jadhav, dressed as a soldier in King Shivaji's army.

"It takes millions of years to form the soil out of various rock formations. We wanted to convey the message to respect mother earth and the soil it contains as it alone sustains life and love", said Payal Debroy, a student from Kolkata.

Satish. S. Thigale, who heads the geology department, said he was excited when students hit upon this novel idea of celebrating Valentine's Day.

"The celebrations were romantic as students from different states represented a mini India, staged mini skits, presented song and dance and applied their classroom knowledge in celebrating a social event like Valentine's Day", he added.

Indo-Asian News Service

http://www.keralanext.com/news/index.asp?id=26666

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NewsBites for Kidz яПН is published by the News for KidzяПН website. It is a free weekly e-newsletter, sent by subscription to kids all over the globe. It is a digest of condensed news stories published by international media, of the news in the life of kids.

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