Friday, July 4, 2008

Llangattock Fun Day - 5th July

The 10th anniversary Fun Day starts from 2pm onwards. It will take place in the school grounds and admission is free. Lots of different activities and a live band. Please see the SWHEN list for more information.

Thursday, July 3, 2008

Learn with Grandma - workshops

The SWHEN website has received information about the company Learn with Grandma, which apparently appeared in the latest Home Education Advisory Service newsletter. Including it here in case this information would be of interest to anyone.

Quoted from email, with some editing.

"Learn with Grandma - a new not for profit company based near Llandovery will run a course designed for grandparents but is also suitable for home educators.

A workshop in Waterstones, Carmarthen on Grandparents Day 7 September 2008. 2.30 – 3.30.  
Getting the most out of storytime. Story telling can be the start of all sorts of activates and interesting discussions that will bring the story to life; make it and the time spent with grandchildren a precious memory for both generations. Parents, aunts & uncles welcome too!

A day course at Denman WI College, Oxfordshire 15th October. Open to non-WI members as well.

A Workshop for Grandparents. - "Grandparents Day - helping children learn"

Aims

• To alert grandparents to the possibilities of “Active Care” for their grandchildren
• To ensure that children benefit from contact with their grandparents to the greatest possible extent
• To help grandparents who are involved with the care of their grandchildren with new ideas and the reasons behind them.
• To stress the importance of energy management and quiet times for children, especially just prior to being collected by their parents.
• To encourage support groups for grandparents, supporting each other and to work with the schools.
• To suggest interactive activities for grandparents who do not live locally

Objectives

• To help grandparents to instil a love of learning.
• To reconnect grandparents with the “learning” they experienced with their parents and grandparents
• To suggest ways in which the activities of a previous generation can be brought up to date
• To start the process of recognising the learning possibilities in everyday activities
• To understand that people learn and remember in different ways and to recognise how individuals can be helped to use their particular talents

To quote Mary Poppins ‘In every job that must be done there is an element of fun, find the fun and then the job is done.’ On this day course we shall alert grandparents to ways they can use everyday activities to have fun while contributing to their grandchildren’s well-being, development and learning.

Through discussions and activities we will show how to create opportunities for holistic education. How storytelling offers opportunities for discussion; activities; outings; art & drama. Grandparents can show how traditional skills and activities still have a relevant role in this day of computers and television and bring in many related subjects, science; measuring & maths motivation ideas. Interested, happy and fulfilled children are easier to manage and more fun to be with.

The interaction between generations should be hugely enjoyable, educational for children and grandparents alike and the precious time spent with their grandchildren is an opportunity to create memories that will last for life. Grandparents can, and should, help with homework but grandparents are not teachers. Neither are they just ‘carers’ they are family. Grandparents they have a unique opportunity to instil a love of learning that will last for the rest of their grandchildren’s lives. There will be a display & handouts of where to find resources.

Denman College
Marcham, Abingdon, Oxfordshire
OX13 6NW
T: 01865 391991
www.womens-institute.co.uk click on Training. go to Day Schools.

It is a full day course, inc. lunch, morning coffee & afternoon tea.
Starts at 10.00 - 4.00
Cost is £55 for WI members £60 for non members.


Learn with Grandma (a not for profit organisation Reg No 05913133) Brynamlwg, Myddfai, Llandovery, SA20 0NZ www.4learningenglish.com

Incidentally The Grandparents Association have just mentioned this course and gave Grandma's Stories a lovely write up in their current magazine."

If anyone would like more information, please contact the company direct, mentioning the SWHEN website.


Visit to Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway - 5th August

On Tuesday 5th August at 12pm there will be a guided tour around the station with talks on this lovely railway and a quiz, which India is working on at the moment.
There are no limits on numbers and it will suit all ages. India has managed to get a discount, so the prices are £2 for adults and £1 for children.

HOW TO GET THERE:-
The railway is just off the B4248 between Blaenavon and Brynmawr-as you get close to the railway look out for the brown railway signs.

Get in touch with India via the SWHEN list to add your name or to find out more information.

Caerphilly group - get together 10th July

The Caerphilly group will be meeting at Cosmeston Lakes, Penarth on 10th July. Get there about 12 for a group picnic. For more information see the SWHEN list.

Cardiff group - changing times or day

Cardiff group are thinking of changing their times or possibly the day they meet. Get in touch via the SWHEN list, to find out more and to put in your preferences!

Treforest Meeting Cancelled - 4th July

The meeting on 4th July has been cancelled. If you wish to meet up elsewhere, get in touch through the SWHEN list.