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New Literacy Partnership

Over the course of the 2009-2010 funding year, the Balcarres Communities Literacy Network (BCLN) and the Regina Literacy Network (RLN) completed a needs assessment for literacy in our region. As a result of that needs assessment it was determined that because we are both relatively small organizations that serve large communities, partnering on future projects and programs for learners in our region would be beneficial.

Please enjoy our newest monthly publication of the Hand In Hand, Learner Link! ^^

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Parenting Tips: Keep Them Moving With research showing the increase in obesity in children, we as parents must determine a way to prevent that from occurring in our homes. The tips I will share with you are ones that you can implement today and of course, it's never too late to implement these 4 back to basics tips.

1. Leading by example - this is something that we as parents should always do, after all we are their mentors and will influence their lives daily, whether we believe it or not. So when it comes to exercise or eating correctly or making the right choices, we must first begin with us, the adults. If we are couch potatoes, guess what? You guessed it; our children will ultimately become couch potatoes. Get up and go outside with your children, or simply move around in the house. You'll be surprised how much they will love dancing with you and you will all be healthier and happier.

2. Schedule a time to unplug - with the amount of technology available today its no wonder we're not as active! The worst effect of today’s technology is the prolonged sitting rather than moving. Time flies while you watch television, play video games or sit in front of the computer surfing the web or chatting in forums, etc. Consider unplugging from it all or if you must use technology choose some activities that will get you moving. Our children love the interactive video games they can all play together on game consoles like the Nintendo Wii. However, unplugging if merely for a few hours a day will definitely impact your family's health in a positive manner. 3. Find the time - remember way back when we were young? It seems like our moms couldn't get us to come inside after playing outside for hours. With

“Keep them Moving” continued on page 2

Inside this issue

Hand In Hand Literacy Partnership Parenting Tips: Keep them Moving

1

Stock Photo Contest Details November Brain Teaser

2

Technically Speaking Celebrate Family Literacy Day

3

Colour It Up Program Soup Recipe Free Parent Workshops

4

Sudoku Puzzle Solution Pepsi Refresh Project Book Review

5

It’s Time to Kick the Idling Habit Way2Work Program

6

Book Review Robert Munsch Contest Details

7

Parent Guide: Questions to Ask Sudoku Puzzle

8

November 2010, Volume 1, Issue 1

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Stock Photo Contest

See your child’s face on family literacy materials around the province! The Balcarres Communities Literacy Network and the Regina Literacy Network want your pictures! What is a stock photo? We are looking for your pictures that display members of your family learning, reading and playing together to use in our publications. How do I enter? Email your photos to photocontest2010@sasktel.net. Please include the names of everyone in your photos and any other information about the activity that you would like to share! What could I win? Family Literacy Bags full of books and prizes! How long do I have to enter? You can enter every month! Winners will be notified at the beginning of every month!

Every photo is 1 entry. Enter as many times as you like! (By entering your photo into this contest, you hereby give permission to the Balcarres Communities Literacy Network and the Regina Literacy Network to copy and distribute for our use.)

Glen Hyndman and daughter, Jalyssa

October 2010 Contest Winner!

“Keep them Moving” continued from page 1

age comes responsibilities and the time to enjoy ourselves seems to diminish. Whether you are young or old, it's important to find the time. Pencil in a physical activity into your child's daily schedule and don't allow 'life' to interfere.

4. Make it fun - who says exercise has to be boring? Instead of exercise think of it as a fun activity and get your entire family involved. At times exercise will not be fun, but teaching your children at a young age that staying active is fun will continue on to adulthood.

Getting back to basics of health does not have to be difficult and when you get the entire family involved it will be fun!

Dr. Daisy Sutherland, aka Dr. Mommy is a doctor, mom, wife, author and speaker. Her love of helping others has branched to blog talk radio and syndicated radio shows. Dr. Mommy's Going Retro Philosophy is one that can be adapted to your family, your health, your business and your entire lifestyle. To learn more about Dr. Mommy visit: http://www.drmommyonline.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr._Daisy_Sutherland

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^November Brain Teaser

Jolene loves to bake. She is baking cookies for the community bake sale this weekend. She has made bags of six cookies that she intends to sell for $2.00. Jolene sold 13 bags of Christmas tree shaped cookies and 38 bags of bell shaped cookies. 1. How much did Jolene earn from Christmas tree

cookies? ________ 2. How much did Jolene earn from bell shaped

cookies? ________ 3. How much money did Jolene earn in total? ________

Brain Teaser Solutions: 1. 26 2. 76 3. 102

* Socialize

* Discuss your needs

* Think about your future

* Improve your skills

* Discover new

opportunities * Find your gifts

* Share ideas

* Create your story

Location: Wakayos Building, Balcarres Time: Wednesdays, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Dates: Begins January 12th For more information, contact the BCLN at 334-3630 or email bclnetwork@sasktel.net.

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Celebrate Family Literacy Day Learning is fun! There are many ways to practice literacy together as a family - following a recipe, singing a song or playing a game are just a few ways to engage in literacy activities. All it takes is 15 minutes a day. The theme for Family Literacy Day 2011 is Play! Playing games that encourage literacy and numeracy - such as board games, card games and word games - is a great way for parents and children to practice their literacy skills and have fun. On January 27, 2011, join Canadians across the nation and Play for Literacy. Grab your family and play at home, participate in your community, or host an event at your organization!

Source: ABC Life Literacy Canada

Technically Speaking… There are many wonderful websites which have been developed to support literacy. I would like to highlight one which has been designed in Canada to provide a balanced literacy approach. I highly recommend this website designed and developed from Concorde University in Québec, Canada. This great online support tool is a free resource for teachers, parents and students to access a wealth of information about preparatory and fundamental literacy skills. It was developed to support students learning their literacy skills around reading and writing, with 32 FREE different web based activities. It is fantastic to have a resource that students love to play as they engage in material on-line that is grounded in research. Providing access to reading in different forms helps to provide a multi-sensory approach to books by both seeing, hearing and interacting with text. Take the time to explore this resource for students to be able to play and learn at the

same time. http://abralite.concordia.ca It is worth your time to visit and explore! If you want more information about the research on

this program just Google “abracadabra”. Written by Brenda McBride Resident of Saskatchewan - Supporter of the 21st Century Learner!

Photo Source: http://abralite.concordia.ca

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10 Key Messages of the Colour It Up Program:

1. Go for more vegetables and fruit. Eat 7 to 8 Food Guide Servings every day. 2. Enjoy the many health benefits of vegetables and fruit. 3. Choose a variety of colours and tastes.

4. Choose fresh, frozen, canned and dried there is always something available.

5. Vegetables and fruit are safe to eat.

6. Vegetables and fruit are affordable.

7. Discover fast and easy ways to prepare vegetable and fruit.

8. There are simple solutions to storing vegetables and fruit.

9. Help children enjoy vegetables and fruit. 10. Everyone can find a way to eat more vegetables and fruit.

Menu Planning for the

Young Family Pre-Registration is Required When: December 10th, 2010 Time: 9:00am - 11:00am

Raising Healthy Eaters

Pre-Registration is Required

When: December 10th, 2010 Time: 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Where: Regina Literacy Network (located inside Trinity Lutheran Church Hall) 1909 Ottawa Street, Regina, SK Cost: Free to attend (Covered by Regina Home Economics For Living Project, Inc.) To Register for either or both workshops, please contact the Regina Literacy Network, 569-1368, www.rfln.ca, or registrations@rfln.ca. Hosted by Regina Literacy Network and Balcarres Communities Literacy Network

Parent Workshops

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Sudoku Solution (Puzzle on Page 8)

Support our work by visiting and voting on the

Pepsi Refresh Project! Our Project: “Reach out to children and parents in South SK with family literacy!” Goals Promote the benefits of family literacy

programming. Promote the benefits of positive parenting. Enhance literacy and workplace essential skills. Provide inter-generational learning opportunities. Increase knowledge of a parent's role as child's first

teacher. Project Summary:

The Balcarres Communities Literacy Network and Regina Literacy Network have joined forces once again through our Hand in Hand Community Literacy Plan to reach out to children, parents and caregivers in South East Saskatchewan and provide

inter-generational workplace family literacy and essential skills programming. This literacy outreach project will provide 2 sessions of programming per week for 26 weeks in Regina and surrounding areas. Funding would also provide for 4 full weeks of family day camps in the summer of 2011. What can we do with $25,000? 104 sessions & 4 weeks of family day camps!

Help us by voting at: http://www.refresheverything.ca/reachouttofamilies

The Christmas List by Richard Paul Evans is a wonderful book about rediscovering where you need to be. It shares a story of a man, James Keir, who has money but has lost the most important thing out there, faith. It tells of second chances, realizations and

relationships. This is a short read that will keep you mesmerized until the end to see how his life truly turns out. Reviewed by Jan Stout, Mom to Loric, Oreon, Mya, & Willow, Cupar

Book Review

“The Christmas List” by author Richard Paul Evans

Visit www.rfln.ca for literacy information in your area!

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Carey Rigby-Wilcox and Kathy Hirst joined forces in the past to author and illustrate I Believe In Fairies. Help us to bring these talented ladies back together to co-facilitate 5 day long workshops with the Regional Adult Learner Support Group for South Central Saskatchewan.

As a committed literacy learner, activist, volunteer, business owner, illustrator, and author who is deeply dedicated to promoting literacy at local, provincial, and national levels, Carey is the recipient of the Saskatchewan Council of the Federation Literacy Award (2006), the Canada Post Literacy Award for Achievement in Learning (2001), and the Saskatchewan Literacy Award of Merit (1999).

Kathy’s current focus is writing empowerment books for children, as well as developing and facilitating empowerment workshops for teens and adults. It is her sincere desire to inspire others to love themselves, to be proud of who they are, and to be all that they can be. She is a certified "Heart Physics Coach" by Dr. James B. Richard of JBR Research in Huntsville, Alabama, and a certified "Kripalu Dance Kinetics Instructor" by the Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health in Lenox, Massachusetts. It is from this training, as well as from her teaching experience and life lessons, which Kathy draws on for her work as a facilitator. Participants in the program will receive copies of I Believe in Fairies and Carey's My Mummy Couldn't Read.

“WAY2WORK”

PROGRAM The File Hills Employment and Training Center, SIIT and Advanced Education, Employment and Labour are proud to deliver a transition to work program designed to prepare the participants for employment, or continued training.

Admission Requirements: Unemployed and open to positive life changes!

Anyone interested in applying contact:

File Hills Employment and Training: Stop by for a visit in Balcarres or call

334-3304 or 334-3306 Seats are Limited!!

We are competing for your support with the Aviva Community Fund Competition

Voting for the 3rd and final round begins November 15th runs until November 26th!!!

Visit www.rfln.ca to Vote EVERY DAY!

Help the Balcarres Communities Literacy Network and Regina Literacy Network bring these award winning authors and programs to YOU!!!

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Book Review

“Under The Dome” by author Stephen King

midst of chaos normally rational people would believe anything told to them if they believed they would be kept safe. One event after another is orchestrated to keep the masses from catching on to what is really happening to them. When I first began reading this novel I had an idea of how the Dome got there and how the story would end. The story only takes place in the time period of 1 week. When I was ¾ of the way finished I was completely taken by surprise to learn How the Dome was placed there, who placed it there, and how it would be removed. That made this such a great read to actually find out how it would it end. Depending on your perspective this story has a happy or sad ending. The town of Chester Mills starts out with 2000 people. I stated the supporting characters are very well developed, so it is sad that only 30 people will survive when the story concludes. I don’t want to give anything away. My advice is to get this book, a good pot of coffee, and set aside some time because this is Stephen King’s best novel in years. Reviewed by Devin Malakoff, dad to Nicholas, Regina

“Under the Dome” is an epic novel that clocks in at over 1100 pages. Upon the initial appearance the bulk can be intimidating. The potential reader might think “Isn’t this what the Simpson’s movie was about”, prompting the person to take a pass. I’m here to say don’t! The novel starts out fast, and has a pedal to the medal quality that you can’t put down. The basic premise is sometime after the 2012 Presidential election on a quiet October day a clear impenetrable doom appears out of nowhere over and under the town of Chester Mills, Maine. Typical of a Stephen King novel the book covers genres of mystery, horror, morality play, and science fiction. The many supporting characters within this novel are well developed. The 2 main characters represent the good vs. bad sides of human nature when there are no rules and it is every person for themselves. The Good is shown in a former decorated soldier from the Iraq War working as Fry Cook in “Dale Barbara” He is reinstated as a Colonel by the US Government when the Dome appears. The Bad would be a prominent business man, politician, and organized crime figure “Big Jim Rennie”. There are many interesting things that happen in this story that remind a person how easily lead the general public can be in times of crisis, and abandon all rational thought. The antagonist “Big Jim” is an expert at this. He eliminates threats to his power, and creates a “Boogeyman Scenario” to get the people to believe he has been placed by God to lead them during this time of crisis. The entire situation was reminiscent to me when President George W. Bush led the United States after the September 11th attacks. In the

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Sudoku Puzzle How to Play Sudoku? Sudoku requires no calculation or arithmetic skills. It is essentially a game of placing numbers in squares, using very simple rules of logic and deduction. It can be played by children and adults and the rules are simple to learn. Sudoku Objective The objective of the game is to fill all the blank squares in a game with the correct numbers. There are three very simple constraints to follow. In a 9 by 9 square Sudoku game: Every row of 9 numbers must include all

digits 1 through 9 in any order Every column of 9 numbers must include all

digits 1 through 9 in any order Every 3 by 3 subsection of the 9 by 9

square must include all digits 1 through 9

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^^A Parent’s Guide: Questions to Ask during the Conference Please feel free to ask any of these questions during the conference. You can add others that are important to you.

How does my child’s work compare to your expectations for grade-level reading, writing, and math? If my child’s work is either below or above grade level, what strategies are you using to address his or her level? What strategies do you suggest I use at home? May I please see examples of my child’s schoolwork? May I see a sample of grade-level work so that I can make a comparison between the two? Please describe my child’s strengths and weaknesses in your class. What are your expectations for academic and behavioural achievement for children in your class? What strategies can I use at home to support my child’s schoolwork? What is the best way to communicate with you when I have questions or need help with my child’s schoolwork? From Engage Every Parent! Encouraging Families to Sign On, Show Up, and Make a Difference by Nancy Tellett-Royce and Susan Wootten. Copyright © 2008 by Search Institute®, Minneapolis,Minnesota; 800-888-7828; www.search-institute.org. This handout may be reproduced for Educational, non-commercial uses only (with this copyright line). All rights reserved.

Contact Us:

Hilary Dahnke, Executive Director Regina Literacy Network

306-569-1368

April Dahnke, Executive Director Balcarres Communities

Literacy Network 306-334-3630