Brain Training

Brain Training is a bit of a hot topic right now.  So many adults are looking at how to keep their minds 'sharp' so that they can avoid the dreaded 'forgetfulness' that apparently happens with age (perhaps it also comes with busyness, frequent demands from others, lack of rest....).

Kids are also able to do brain training but it is intended to help them build their thinking skills: following directions, focusing on specific tasks to completion, remembering multi-step directions and more.  If you are interested in having your kids do some 'brain-training' there are lots of different activities and online opportunities.  Feel free to look up sites yourself, or check out this one with 10 games specifically chosen for kids.  All of us need to exercise our brains like we exercise our bodies - regularly.  :)

Brain Games for Kids

HCOS Memorization Challenge for 2014-15

HCOS Memorization Challenge details

There are people in our HCOS community who have taken the challenge this year to memorize scripture and to commit to a goal with our HCOS Memorization Challenge.  What an amazing opportunity for students to be challenged and motivated to memorize scripture.  I know that one of my families committed to their whole family memorizing and they even shared their verses at church - as a family!  What an amazing testimony that is.  :)

If you joined this year, press on and work to complete your goal.  The last date to report in for the Challenge is June 5, 2015.  Certificates and gift certificates for meeting goals will be emailed out around mid-July.

If you did not join this year, consider how your scripture memorization went this year and contemplate whether joining the Challenge
next year may motivate, enhance, or encourage memorizing Bible verses in your home.

HCOS Fort Nelson Open House

The HCOS Open House will be at the Rec Centre on Tuesday, MAY 12th from 10:30-12:00. We have the space booked for longer in case we decide to hang out together for lunch.  I still remember my first visit to FN and enjoying a potluck with everyone in the basement of the church - fond memories!

Our group this time will consist of Natalie Sing, our Curriculum and Learning Commons expert; Nancy Gullason, Regional Admin for the North, and Bruce Hildebrandt, director or HCOS. Bruce booked the spaces for the kids to play games including foosball, air hockey, and ping pong. The Rec Centre also has pickleball, basketball and an area for rollerblading. 

I know Bruce is looking forward to visiting with everyone again and he hopes to see you all there. Please know that everyone is welcome!  I am hoping to come for a portfolio visit in June so keep that in mind!

Zones of Regulation

During CHEC, one of the sessions I attended included the topic of helping children (actually, anyone) to identify where they are at emotionally.  This chart creates a colour connection to label four zones that a person may experience. Learning about the zones of regulation that help children identify how they are feeling emotionally and the difference those feelings can make on how a person acts and responds. 

I would encourage you talk to your child about the zones to help them cope with stress (recognize which zone they are in and then use a strategy "tool" to bring them into the green zone).

For some easy-to-swallow information on the Zones of Regulation, check out http://www.zonesofregulation.com/  

Interested in reading about some "tools" to help with self regulation?  Try this article at self-regulation-strategies-and-more  

Week of Inspirational Math

Give your child the best possible start to the year with powerful mathematics tasks and positive mindset messages. Designed by Stanford professor Jo Boaler and the youcubed team, the five days will each include a low floor, high ceiling task showing exciting and inquiry based mathematics, as well as important messages about mathematics. Your children will love this week and be inspired to learn!

Designed to be used with a wide range of grade levels (at least grades 3-9), this week combines open tasks with inspirational videos on mindset and mathematics. You will receive a full guide including ideas for ways to organize students and create a positive math environment for the year ahead.

It is EASY TO USE, COMPLETELY FREE and will be downloadable in May from http://www.youcubed.org/ for registered users.

For those not registered, you can register and get more info here: https://www.youcubed.org/week-of-inspirational-math/