Is texting creating 'dumb' kids?
BY HEATHER MIDDLETON
Text messaging has exploded over the past few years, particularly among teens who feel the need to keep in touch with their friends just about any time and from anywhere. Since it started creeping into the classroom, it has meant too much jargon and not enough substance.
Read more 10.06.08
This summer, get the kids out among the trees
BY DANIELLE HARDER
Patricia Lowe sees a lot as an educator with the Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority (CLOCA). What never fails to amaze her is how amazed some kids are by nature.
"You get the kid who is so pumped, who has never had that experience before and you can't turn them off," she laughs. "At the end of the day they tell you, 'This was the best day of my life!' and you think, my goodness, all we did is take you on a hike." Lowe, director of watershed stewardship, community outreach and education with CLOCA, says while there are still plenty of kids who love the outdoors, she has noticed that some children are becoming detached from the natural world.
Read more 10.06.08
Join Oshawa Public Libraries Summer Reading Club and get rewarded for reading
It's time to register for the TD Summer Reading Club at Oshawa Public Libraries! Children from three to 12 years of age are eligible to enroll in this free summer-long programme which helps children stay mentally active during the summer by encouraging them to read at least one book a week.
As an incentive to participate in this programme a small prize will be awarded for successfully completing each weekly report. The theme of this year's Summer Reading Club is "Laugh Out Loud", an opportunity to explore the world of books while tickling the funny bone and imagination at the same time!
Register at any Oshawa Public Libraries location beginning July 2. During July and August, Oshawa Public Libraries also offers many fun programmes for families and children, including puppet shows, concerts, themed parties, and craft programmes. A full list of activities is available at www.oshawalibraries.on.ca. For more information please call 905-579-6111.
10.06.08
FINALLY, A SPORT WORTH CHEERING ABOUT!
BY DANIELLE HARDER
Stephanie Ross-Alouche tried everything to get her eldest daughter interested in sports. Nothing caught the 15-year-old's attention - until cheerleading came along.
Read more 10.06.08
PRESSURE'S ON TO JUNK THE JUNK FOOD ADS
BY DANIELLE HARDER
Children today spend more time watching television than almost any other activity, except sleeping - and, according to some estimates, about a quarter of all kids could be classified as obese. Many adults blame the peddlers of fast food, soft drinks, candy and pre-sweetened cereal who use sophisticated marketing to target children. Now some groups are pressuring the federal government to put an end to it.
Read more 10.06.08