Sunday, 23 December 2007

Reported : The Hottest Toys this Christmas

Every year there are the HOT toys that every kid wants. They are the ‘gotta-have-cause-all-my-friends-have’ toys that may be the dream of the kid but the nightmare for the parents and you can bet that Santa isn’t going to make one magically appear under the Christmas tree. No, you will have to find one and the best policy is to start your quest as early as possible.

Three of the hottest of toys for the 2007 Christmas season are:

1. The Singing Barbie: When Barbie’s cell phone rings, she answers it and there are three pre-programmed song clips that Barbie sings into the microphone. This toy is far more inter-active than any previous Barbie and your little girl is going to want one. This is for ages 5 and up.

2. Robots are Hot: All kinds of robots are going to be the hottest of the hot items this year. Modern technology has caused robots to become ‘classic’ toys. Hasbro of Transformers fame has created the "Optimus Prime voice changer helmet" which makes the kid's voice sound like a robot and Air Hogs Robo Copter that is made by Spin Master going to be big in the remote-control toy category. The Robo Copter transforms from a robot to a helicopter. This is for ages 10 and up.

3. Smart Cycle: The Smart Cycle is from Fisher Price (who else?). The Smart Cycle is a stationary cycle that plugs into the TV and uses a plug and play technology. Mom or dad will need to plug it in but then the pre-schooler can hop on and pedal trough different environments and learning experiences. This is for the 3 to 5 year old set.

Gift Baskets That Say it All

Thank goodness for gift baskets! I don’t think I could survive Christmas gift giving without them. Our grandmothers created their own gift baskets that included cookies and other special items that they gave to friends and neighbors but then our grandmothers didn’t hold down full-time, high-pressure jobs either. We still want to give gifts to our friends, our neighbors and our co-workers but our time is more than a little limited….even shopping time is at a premium.

Gift baskets are the solution to the gift giving dilemma. Gift baskets can be purchased in almost every price range. Many online stores will deliver gift baskets to the recipients for you at no extra charge. Nothing could be easier and the choices are just amazing.

If you have a friend, neighbor or coworker who is a real coffee lover, you can send a gift basket of gourmet coffee. If you have a name of your list of someone who is an avid golfer, you can send a gift basket that includes golf balls and tees with many other items as well. There are gift baskets for every taste and price range. There are gift baskets that cost as little as $20 and then there are those that cost $60 to $100.

There are gift baskets that consist of a collection of beauty products and there are baskets that contain nothing but fruits and nuts. There are gift baskets for avid gardeners and for world travelers. There are gift baskets that are appropriate for next-door-neighbors and your boss, your mother, your father, your sister or brother.

Sending gift baskets as Christmas gifts is easy, quick and works really well with our busy schedules.

Last Minute Gifts, International Same Day Delivery - Beautiful Gift Baskets

Balloon Boughet I have reviewed the following site and thought it worth the mention, especially since discounts are being offered on same day delivery. Worth a look for that last minue, far-away gift... Enjoy


FLOWERS ACROSS AMERICA


The purpose of a balloon bouquet is to wish the recipient a happy birthday, happy anniversary, get-well, or make wishes for another happy occasion.


Pros: There are a total of 6 rather large balloons in this Balloon Bouquet. There are three foil balloons and three latex balloons. Balloons that depict events can be chosen.


For example: the sender might include a happy birthday balloon that would be appropriate for a child’s birthday or a different one that would be appropriate for the birthday of an adult. Other special occasion balloons are also available upon request such as ‘get well’ or ‘happy anniversary’.


There are balloons that are age specific as well. Multi-colored, solid color and smiley face balloons are available for all bouquets no mater what the occasion. Generally, an advance notice of only one day is required for the delivery of a Balloon bouquet anywhere within the United States as well as in Canada.


Same-day delivery is also available in most locations within the United States and Canada.


Since some people are very allergic to flowers of different varieties, if the sender is not certain on any related allergies, the sending of a Balloon Bouquet is the perfect solution to that problem.


Cons: Delivery costs are included in the price of the Balloon Bouquet but there is an $8.99 ‘service charge’ in addition to the price as stated.


Guarantee: There is a 100% guarantee of satisfaction stated on the website.


Value for money: Balloon bouquets generally last longer than fresh flower bouquets. For that reason, the balloon bouquet is an excellent value dollar for dollar.


Flowers Across America

Last Minute Gifts, International Same Day Delivery - Beautiful Gift Baskets

Balloon Boughet I have reviewed the following site and thought it worth the mention, especially since discounts are being offered on same day delivery. Worth a look for that last minue, far-away gift... Enjoy


FLOWERS ACROSS AMERICA


The purpose of a balloon bouquet is to wish the recipient a happy birthday, happy anniversary, get-well, or make wishes for another happy occasion.


Pros: There are a total of 6 rather large balloons in this Balloon Bouquet. There are three foil balloons and three latex balloons. Balloons that depict events can be chosen.


For example: the sender might include a happy birthday balloon that would be appropriate for a child’s birthday or a different one that would be appropriate for the birthday of an adult. Other special occasion balloons are also available upon request such as ‘get well’ or ‘happy anniversary’.


There are balloons that are age specific as well. Multi-colored, solid color and smiley face balloons are available for all bouquets no mater what the occasion. Generally, an advance notice of only one day is required for the delivery of a Balloon bouquet anywhere within the United States as well as in Canada.


Same-day delivery is also available in most locations within the United States and Canada.


Since some people are very allergic to flowers of different varieties, if the sender is not certain on any related allergies, the sending of a Balloon Bouquet is the perfect solution to that problem.


Cons: Delivery costs are included in the price of the Balloon Bouquet but there is an $8.99 ‘service charge’ in addition to the price as stated.


Guarantee: There is a 100% guarantee of satisfaction stated on the website.


Value for money: Balloon bouquets generally last longer than fresh flower bouquets. For that reason, the balloon bouquet is an excellent value dollar for dollar.


Flowers Across America

Last Minutes Christmas Gifts - International and Local Delivery (Same Day)

Been reviewing some last minute Christmas shopping ideas (Thinking of my sister in East London) and have come across some superb sites, well worth a visit if you need to send a last minute gift and it requires same-day or international delivery.



Another site I have reviewed for last-minute same-day international gift delivery. Well worth a look. Read my review:




Cookie Garden


flowerswhisper.com


The Cookie Garden is listed under gift baskets on the Flowers Whisper website.


The Cookie Garden can be sent instead of cut flowers or plants when that option is desirable and for almost any occasion like a birthday, get-well, anniversary, etc.


Pros: This delightful arrangement is made up of delicious honey cookies that are frosted to appear as flowers. The Cookie Garden is very colorful and very imaginative. It's an edible bouquet of pure delight and one that recipients will rave about for months to come. Included in the arrangement is an assortment of hand gardening tools that the recipient can keep and use long after the cookies have been eaten and enjoyed. The arrangement is in a beautifully decorated pot that can be used to plant an ivy or other inside plant in once the cookies have been eaten. The pot has a design of flowers and butterflies painted on it. There are other small garnishes included in the Cookie Garden that will delight the recipient.


Cons: The cookies do contain sugar so those who have dietary restrictions should not be sent this arrangement. The sender needs to be aware of any health concerns of the recipient. Guarantee: Flowers Whisper guarantees flowers to be fresh but there was no guarantee given for the Cookie Garden. Value for money: Very nice arrangement and well worth the price because the recipient will be able to keep and use the pot, garden tools, sticks, etc. after the cookies are gone.


flowerswhisper.com

Pacific Heights, International Flower Gift Delivery

For last minute gifts that need to be sent in a hurry, have a look at thiss site. It offers a wide range of wonderful flower gifts that can be delivered in a hurry... Pacific Heights Flower Delivery


Fresh Flower Delivery


The purposes of the Pacific Heights can be many.


It is a beautiful gift basket type gift that can be used to say ‘thank you’, ‘get well’ ‘happy birthday or a multitude of other greetings.


Pros: There are five boxes staked and individually wrapped. They are stacked according to size with the largest box on the bottom and the smallest on the top and then the stack is tied with a beautiful ribbon.


The Boxes each contain a different item. The items that are included are vanilla caramels, cranberry popcorn clusters, chocolate golf balls, cinnamon roasted cashews and a complete collection of Brown & Haley butter crunch toffee. Sending the pacific Heights gift basket is a quick and easy way to acknowledge a friend or relative.


The nicest part is that this gift is truly unisex. Pacific Heights would be ideal to send to a man or a woman and for almost any occasion.


At flowerdelivery.com it is possible to select the date for the delivery of Pacific Heights, as well as, the method of delivery.


Cons: Probably should not be sent to those who have digestion difficulties or who have had any kind of surgery. Since many of the items included could require chewing, it shouldn’t be sent to those who have dentures.


There is an additional charge of $9.99 for most deliveries.


Guarantee: Flower Delivery does guarantee delivery on the date specified and if a customer is not satisfied with the product delivered, the product will be redelivered but the cost will not be refunded.


Value for money: This is a very nice gift and well worth the cost.


Fresh Flower Delivery

Thursday, 20 December 2007

New Free Parenting and Family (Legal) eBooks

The following ebooks have been added to St Aiden's Homeschool:


10 Things Divorced Parents Should Do
17 Reasons to Homeschool Your Kids
3 Key Ways for Child Support to Continue
Addressing Domestic Violence in South Africa
ADHD - Helping Your Child Cope
Adoption - Making Sure You Are Ready
Adult ADD - Myths & Legends
Allergies May Run in Families
An Insight on When to Homeschool Your Children
Baby Lullaby
Baby Sleep Tips
Birth Disorder - How to Cope
Celebrating Fathers
Chasing After Child Support
Child Custody - Dallas
Child Custody - Indiana
Child Custody - New Hampshire
Child Custody - New York
Child Custody - Utah
Child Custody - Washington
Child Custody - Chicago
Child Safety Tips
Child Sleep Disorder
Children with a Learning Disability
Children are People, Not Machines
Children with High Autism
DNA Test - How to Get One
Coping With Birth Disorder
Dealing With Childhood Obesity
Decorating a Kids Room
Depression in Children
Developing Parenting Skills
Divorce - Contested and Uncontested
Divorce & Alienation
Divorce : Parenting Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
Educational Toys For Toddlers
Family Motivation - The Glue That Holds Families Together
First Time Parenting - Your Toddler
Gender Roles & Homeschooling
Goals of Natural Parenting
Good Parenting - Providing Benefits for Life
Guiding Behaviour for Peaceful Parenting
Homeschooling and Your Special Child
Homeschooling Info That Every HS Family Should Know
Homeschooling Your Child
Homeschooling
Homeschooling - How to Make it Fun
How to Recognise an Abused Child
How to Successfully Homeschool Your Child
Marriages May End, Families Are Forever
Mommy & Baby - Styles of Parenting
Monitoring Your Child's Computer - For Their Safety
Parenting Agreement
Parenting Predicaments
Parenting Teenagers
Parenting Tips
Paternity Testing
Positive Discipline Techniques
Positive Parenting
Potty Training Resistance
Safe From Strangers
South Africa - Protecting the Children
South Africa - A Child's Right to Maintenance & Support
Simple Ways to Teach Colours
Simple Ways to Teach Shapes
Single Parenting - Keeping the Stress Out
Surviving as a Single Parent
Taking Care of Your Baby
Teenager Parenting
The 3 R's - How to Handle a Tantrum
Therapeutic Parenting Approach
Time Off
Tips for Successful Parenting
Tips for Coping with ADHD
Top Tips for Potty Training Accidents
Toughest Parenting - The Toddler Years
Understanding Why Your Child Has Been Recommended for Testin
When Parents Disagree

New Free Parenting and Family (Legal) eBooks

The following ebooks have been added to St Aiden's Homeschool:


10 Things Divorced Parents Should Do
17 Reasons to Homeschool Your Kids
3 Key Ways for Child Support to Continue
Addressing Domestic Violence in South Africa
ADHD - Helping Your Child Cope
Adoption - Making Sure You Are Ready
Adult ADD - Myths & Legends
Allergies May Run in Families
An Insight on When to Homeschool Your Children
Baby Lullaby
Baby Sleep Tips
Birth Disorder - How to Cope
Celebrating Fathers
Chasing After Child Support
Child Custody - Dallas
Child Custody - Indiana
Child Custody - New Hampshire
Child Custody - New York
Child Custody - Utah
Child Custody - Washington
Child Custody - Chicago
Child Safety Tips
Child Sleep Disorder
Children with a Learning Disability
Children are People, Not Machines
Children with High Autism
DNA Test - How to Get One
Coping With Birth Disorder
Dealing With Childhood Obesity
Decorating a Kids Room
Depression in Children
Developing Parenting Skills
Divorce - Contested and Uncontested
Divorce & Alienation
Divorce : Parenting Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
Educational Toys For Toddlers
Family Motivation - The Glue That Holds Families Together
First Time Parenting - Your Toddler
Gender Roles & Homeschooling
Goals of Natural Parenting
Good Parenting - Providing Benefits for Life
Guiding Behaviour for Peaceful Parenting
Homeschooling and Your Special Child
Homeschooling Info That Every HS Family Should Know
Homeschooling Your Child
Homeschooling
Homeschooling - How to Make it Fun
How to Recognise an Abused Child
How to Successfully Homeschool Your Child
Marriages May End, Families Are Forever
Mommy & Baby - Styles of Parenting
Monitoring Your Child's Computer - For Their Safety
Parenting Agreement
Parenting Predicaments
Parenting Teenagers
Parenting Tips
Paternity Testing
Positive Discipline Techniques
Positive Parenting
Potty Training Resistance
Safe From Strangers
South Africa - Protecting the Children
South Africa - A Child's Right to Maintenance & Support
Simple Ways to Teach Colours
Simple Ways to Teach Shapes
Single Parenting - Keeping the Stress Out
Surviving as a Single Parent
Taking Care of Your Baby
Teenager Parenting
The 3 R's - How to Handle a Tantrum
Therapeutic Parenting Approach
Time Off
Tips for Successful Parenting
Tips for Coping with ADHD
Top Tips for Potty Training Accidents
Toughest Parenting - The Toddler Years
Understanding Why Your Child Has Been Recommended for Testin
When Parents Disagree

Monday, 17 December 2007

St Aiden's Homeschool, Updates 17 December 2007








Hello again!

I'm back with a few website updates, and hope you will find them as much fun as we have.

I have moved the Christmas Music & Midi Files to another page as I have managed to source some really lovely free eBook downloads for those who may be musically inclined, and the page was getting a little full and slower loading. Most notably the new additions are:



Christmas Crafts and Activities:

(With all crafts and activities, please take adequate safety precautions when little ones are using scissors, glue, smaller objects or household items.)
The Christmas Mystery .zip File
The Snow queen. Classic Fairy Tale electronic eBook. .exe format. (This is really beautiful and your kids can read on the computer or you can read to them.)

Christmas On The Net .zip File
Christmas Stories - Zip File
Christmas Happy Pack .zip File
Holiday Stress .zip File
It's Party Time .zip File
The Christmas Dinner .zip File
Christmas Special - Kids Activity Pack PDF Format

I have also uploaded 2 interactive Christmas Jigsaw puzzles in .exe format. They are self-extracting files and will instal on your computer. Again they are really lovely and will keep kids entertained for quite a while.
That's it from me for now. I am currently working on various calendars, journals, year planners and homeschooling printables for upload early in the New Year, after which I will revert to phonics, life skills and mathematics activity books. Speaking of the New Year I have added an additional portal (directory) to the website, which contains a couple of hundred pages of exceptional links, information and resources for New Year gifts, celebrations and traditions around the world. This can be accessed at the link below.
As always I welcome feedback and am sure that you will find something of interest and enjoyment for your family.
Until next time
Stay safe and God Bless
Donnette

For beautiful Classical Christmas, Inspirational and Christian eBooks, click here.

Our Christmas Portal : Information, Links & Resource Directory for Everything Christmas
Christmas Gift Ideas Portal : Information, Links & Resource Directory for Gifts and Gift Ideas
New Year Portal : Information, Links & Resource Directory














St Aiden's Homeschool, Updates 17 December 2007








Hello again!

I'm back with a few website updates, and hope you will find them as much fun as we have.

I have moved the Christmas Music & Midi Files to another page as I have managed to source some really lovely free eBook downloads for those who may be musically inclined, and the page was getting a little full and slower loading. Most notably the new additions are:



Christmas Crafts and Activities:

(With all crafts and activities, please take adequate safety precautions when little ones are using scissors, glue, smaller objects or household items.)
The Christmas Mystery .zip File
The Snow queen. Classic Fairy Tale electronic eBook. .exe format. (This is really beautiful and your kids can read on the computer or you can read to them.)

Christmas On The Net .zip File
Christmas Stories - Zip File
Christmas Happy Pack .zip File
Holiday Stress .zip File
It's Party Time .zip File
The Christmas Dinner .zip File
Christmas Special - Kids Activity Pack PDF Format

I have also uploaded 2 interactive Christmas Jigsaw puzzles in .exe format. They are self-extracting files and will instal on your computer. Again they are really lovely and will keep kids entertained for quite a while.
That's it from me for now. I am currently working on various calendars, journals, year planners and homeschooling printables for upload early in the New Year, after which I will revert to phonics, life skills and mathematics activity books. Speaking of the New Year I have added an additional portal (directory) to the website, which contains a couple of hundred pages of exceptional links, information and resources for New Year gifts, celebrations and traditions around the world. This can be accessed at the link below.
As always I welcome feedback and am sure that you will find something of interest and enjoyment for your family.
Until next time
Stay safe and God Bless
Donnette

For beautiful Classical Christmas, Inspirational and Christian eBooks, click here.

Our Christmas Portal : Information, Links & Resource Directory for Everything Christmas
Christmas Gift Ideas Portal : Information, Links & Resource Directory for Gifts and Gift Ideas
New Year Portal : Information, Links & Resource Directory














Everything Christmas

Learn About Christmas From Our Resources

Some of the best quality christmas resources and articles can be found online at St Aiden's, South Africa : Christmas Resources. Our visitors recommend this website each time they try to search for christmas tips, advice and insider secrets from experts. You can search thru the form by keywords on that site or just browse our library of christmas related articles by experts in various subject fields.

Featured article from our library:

Christmas Tree Decoration Tips

When we think of Christmas, we think of lights, snow (even if we are in the south), Santa Clause, the nativity and, of course, we think of Christmas trees. Christmas tree decorations will overtake entire sections of stores during the holiday season. People will inevitably flock to those stores to purchase Christmas decorations for their homes and yards and they will buy tons of Christmas tree decorations and lights. Christmas tree decorations can come in many shapes and sizes. Some companies will release themed Christmas decorations, or special edition Christmas decorations while others just mass produce low cost characters, balls and other ornaments. Some people even use bows or candles to decorate their trees. Some families have ornaments that have been passed down for generations and are family keepsakes. This makes the Christmas tree even more special.Another option is to feature homemade Christmas decorations. If you are crafty, you may fashion ornaments from dough, paper or balsa wood. If you can sew or do yarn work like crochet or knitting you can make some lovely ornaments. You can even purchase some Styrofoam balls covered with satin thread and pin beads to them in interesting designs. Some families allow their children to make homemade Christmas decorations from dough that they bake in the oven and then paint. These ornaments, when paired with a popcorn and cranberry tinsel make a homey tree that is personal to and a special memory for the entire family.

Christmas Recent Stories and News

The real meaning of Christmas? (USATODAY.com via Yahoo! News)
Maybe we're just new-millennium Scrooges, but for many of us, the holiday season has become something to dread. Between the traffic-choked rat race, shopping bacchanalia, and culture wars sniping over the politics of Christmas, what used to be the best time of year has increasingly become just the opposite.Read more...


Christmas is hard work for 'world's oldest boy group', Vienna Boys' Choir (AFP via Yahoo! News)
If you think Christmas is stressful, spare a thought for the Vienna Boys' Choir.Read more...


Fire disrupts Christmas toy shoppers (UPI)
No people -- only toys -- were hurt when a Philadelphia Toys "R" Us caught fire just 10 days before Christmas.Read more...


Christmas gifts are in the cards (The Philadelphia Inquirer)
The scene on Christmas Day 2006, as Stacie Freymann remembers it, would have been comical if it weren't so strange.Read more...


South Florida's ethnic communities celebrate a traditional Christmas (Sun-Sentinel)
Specialty food retailers cater to Caribbean and Hispanic traditions South Floridians of Caribbean and Hispanic origin, homesick during the holidays, try to replicate a traditional Christmas here.Read more...

12 Days Of Christmas
A Christmas Carol
All I Want For Christmas
All I Want For Christmas Is You
Buy Christmas Wreaths Online
Child Christmas Musical
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Christmas Gifts For Christian Women
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Christmas Picture
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Knit Christmas Ornaments
Live Christmas Wreaths
Merry Christmas Cards
Motorcycle Christmas Cards
Mr Hanky The Christmas Poo
Nightmare Before Christmas
Nightmare Before Christmas What's This
Online Christmas Card
Personalized Christmas Cards
Printed Christmas Cards
South Park Christmas,
The Grinch Who Stole Christmas
The Nightmare Before Christmas
Unique Christmas Ornaments
Upside Down Christmas Tree
Vintage Christmas Cards

Holiday Gift Ideas & Resources

Holiday Gift Ideas and Resources

Some of the best quality american express travel gift resources and articles can be found online at St Aiden's, South Africa, Holiday Gift Ideas. Our visitors recommend this website each time they try to search for american express travel gift tips, advice and insider secrets from experts.

You can search thru the form by keywords on that site or just browse our library of American Express travel gift related articles by experts in various subject fields.

Featured article from our library:

Curb your Spending by Giving the Holiday Gift of Your Time

Shopping at the last minute can not only rob you of your energy and Christmas spirit, but it can zap your bank account in the process. If these are two Christmas holiday traditions you’d like to learn to live without, there’s good news.

With some creative thought and planning, you can give thoughtful gifts that will not only be appreciated your recipients and won’t empty your wallet at the same time.

The greatest gift you have that you can give anyone is the gift of your time.

With that in mind, the first thing you should do is talk with your friends and family and reach a mutual agreement not to exchange gifts. When you don’t have to worry about what to run out and get for one another, you can focus on spending quality time together, which is a big part of what the holiday season is all about. For those that are on your gift list, think about what you can do to help them, such as a service you can provide to make their life a little simpler.

You can print coupons out for everything from free babysitting for a family member or friend with a new baby, lawn mowing services for an elderly neighbor, or errand running for a homebound person.

Keep each person in mind when you do this and take special care to make sure you’re not stepping on any toes and that your service won’t be seen as an intrusion or inconvenience.

For the smaller children on your list, consider making a gift for them. Children love stories, so why not write a story about that child for them? You can either type it up and illustrate it using your computer, or write it in big block letters and illustrate it with pictures you’ve clipped out or drawn yourself. You can also make things such as modeling clay or bubble blowing liquid.

Check your local library or internet for more great ideas for children. The best part of these gifts is the time you spend with the youngster playing with the clay or reading the story time and again. And though it may seem a bit more difficult to think of a gift for older children and teenagers, they also cherish the gift of your time.

If you have a special skill, such as cooking, baking, or painting, why not take the time to pass it along. Purchase a canvas and some paints and show your favorite young person how to paint landscapes or pass along a favorite family recipe by teaching him or her how to prepare it.

Consider donating some of your time to places that really need additional hands around the holidays. Your local soup kitchen, homeless shelter or neighborhood nursing home might need someone to help serve food and clean, or just simply to spend time with their residents. Your time and help will be greatly appreciated by the staff and the people they serve.

The holidays shouldn’t be a time of stress and worry over how much money you’ve spent on gifts, but about togetherness and generosity. Giving the gift of your time is probably the most generous gift any of us have to give, and the one that most people are most appreciative of and enjoy receiving.

For thousands of excellent articles, ideas and resources:

Anniversary Gift Ideas
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Unique Christmas Gifts
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Wedding Travel Packages
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Wholesale Gifts

Saturday, 15 December 2007

Child Sodomised At Pietermaritzburg School - Headmaster does nothing - AGAIN!!!

Pupil Sodomised Northern Park Primary School, PMB - Headmaster does nothing - YET AGAIN!
Child sodomised by classmate - NATAL WITNESS REPORTER05 Dec 2007
MTHOBISI MAKHATHINI
A six-year-old Pietermaritzburg pupil is afraid to go back to school next year after he was allegedly sodomised at school, had a pair of scissors held to his neck and was pushed down the stairs by schoolmates, resulting in an injury to his head. The six-year-old boy, who attends Northern Park Primary, was sodomised by his classmate in the school toilets early one morning in July. His mother alleged that the school principal made no effort to sort the matter out. “The principal only said he was sorry that this had happened to my child. He failed to contact the aggressor’s parents,” she said. She said because her son felt intimidated by the boy’s presence in class, she asked the principal to move the offender to another classroom. She said the principal said this could not be done because the culprit would victimise other children. “So it’s alright if he victimises mine. My child had to take ARVs for a month and had to go for an HIV/Aids test after three months. All these things traumatised him because he kept asking why the doctors are drawing blood from him,” she said.In November, the boy was threatened with a pair of scissors by a schoolmate, who held the scissors to his neck. The teacher in charge of aftercare intervened immediately and brought the two boys to the office. The six-year-old’s mother said she was not contacted by the school regarding the incident. “I heard from my son in the afternoon that he was almost stabbed with scissors at school. I inquired at the school about the incident and they wrote a letter of apology. I have to be worried because nowadays children die at schools because of stabbing,” she said.On a third occasion, the boy was allegedly pushed down the stairs by another pupil and injured his head.His mother appealed to the KZN Education Department to find him a new school.KZN Education spokeswoman Christi Naudé said officials have been sent to the school to investigate the allegations. “The incidents raised by The Witness were broadly confirmed, but differ in respect of the manner in which these were managed. The principal advises that the learner in question is a lively child who presents a number of challenges in terms of behaviour,” she said. Naudé said the department’s psychological services have been working with both children and guiding the school in handling the matter. The Child Protection Unit have also been consulted. She said the department will assist in finding a new school for the boy. mthobisi@witness.co.za


MY COMMENT:::


Yes, I have on many previous occasions been in touch with Northern Park Primary School, Kevin Marais (the headmaster) and various so-called "educators" - none of which I believe should be left in charge of little children, and I was quite open and honest in informing them face-to-face and in writing of my fears and feelings about their incompetence. I removed my child from this very school some years back after yet another little girl was raped - this time by an employee of the school. I reported the abuse and victimisation of my child (by her own teacher) to the headmaster, the Education Department and even Child Welfare. Nothing was ever done. Forget the fact that my child spent 3 weeks in hospital with prenumonia on the most aggressive drugs available in the country - as a direct result of her teacher's abuse!

The perpetrator of the rape of this little grade 3 girl in the toilets of the school was publicly given a vote of confidence by Kevin Marais in a school meeting - because although said perpetrator had been charged, he had not been convicted. What?????????????????????

Do people still question the motives of concerned parents who opt to homeschool their children? Would you want your child to be in the "custody" of incompetents like this?

In days gone by Northern Park Primary School was a well-to-do school in the northern suburbs of Pietermaritzburg.

Bill Lombard was a great headmaster and loved by parents, teachers and pupils. Kevin Marais has done nothing to instil confidence in the parents of his abilities to run the school, sort out the wheat from the chaff and take control of what is rapidly turning into a war zone... Standard 3 boys with knives slashing teacher tyres at lunch time.

Shame on you Kevin Marais for turning a blind eye yet again!
Shame on the Education Department for doing nothing.
Shame on Ina Cronje for having the gall to criticise Homeschooling parents - when this is the alternative...

And believe me, we pay dearly for it, not only financially but at the cost of our children. To all the "older" educators out there, move with the times, don't worry only that you'll get your pensions out. Concern yourself with the education and safety of our children. They are entrusted to your care. We were forced previously to entrust them to your care...

Thank God for the Constitution!

Friday, 14 December 2007

The Ultimate Christmas Pack



This Christmas sees the launch of our brand new Ultimate Christmas Activity Pack. There are hundreds of really great products available for you to purchase. And I'd like to think that this eBook will be considered one of those worthy to add to your collection.

Here's what you'll be getting when you order this eBook:
  • Over 320 Pages of fun, colourful educational Christmas-themed activities
  • Christmas Picture Dictionary with word recognition and tracing activities
  • Christmas Alphabet Dictionary, with word recognition, tracing activities and matching activities
  • Christmas Phonics, covering some of the early Dolch words, word wall, Christmas Flash cards, picture and word matching and recognition
  • Christmas counting, a fun way to count to 20, with word wall, easy addition and Count how many...
  • Snowman Activity sheets, includes snowman crafts, snowman poems and stories, snowman soup recipe, cut and paste, dot to dot, colour sheets, draw your own, word tracing and recognition, wordsearch, How many..., matching, odd one out etc.
  • Santa Activity sheets, includes Santa creafts, Santa poems and songs, How did Rudolph get his name, the story of the Real St Nicholas, how to draw Santa, cut and paste, word tracing and recognition, wordsearch, How many... matching, odd one out, bookmarkers, dot to dot, and more...
  • Gift tags
  • Notebooking pages
  • Scrapbooking pages
  • Christmas frames
  • Letter to SantaAnd so much more...

Because much of my material is sourced via free domain and under license, I am able to offer it at the much lower price of $9.99.

To order your copy of The Ultimate Christmas Activity Book please click the link below.

ORDER NOW & PREVIEW

I know you won't be disappointed. Your kids (and you) will have hours upon hours of fun doing these activities. And the best thing of all (and I know this as a fact) your kids will be learning over the Christmas holiday without even knowing it. *big grin*

You can also get hundreds of more free printable activity books at this link to add to your collection. Another great advantage is that the pages can be printed over and over again, shared with friends and family.

Home Christmas Activities Contact

Wednesday, 12 December 2007

New *Free* Christmas Activities at St Aiden's Homeschool




New Christmas Activities and Books added are as follows:

Christmas Alphabet Song, Lyrics, Midi File, & Copywork Book



Christmas Carol Sheet Music Book, PDF - 36 Carols, beautiful collector's item


Christmas Nativity Lapbook Christmas Games & Activities for all ages,

Printable Family Games and Activities

Christmas Bible Verses Copywork Book


Additional Christmas Midi-Files, over 100.
Christmas Songs for Teachers with Activities
Tales of Christmas Past eBook
Christmas Comes But Once a Year, a beautiful Vintage Christmas eBook

I am sure you will find something you or your chlidren enjoy amongst these new updates. As always I welcome feedback, and look forward to interacting soon.

Blessings

Donnette

St Aiden's Homeschool

Monday, 10 December 2007

Free End Word Family Workbooks




end Word Family Workbooks
"A" word ending family - 30 free colour activity books, which include word wall, flash cards, picture and word recognition, word tracing, spot the difference, matching, wordsearch,mazes and more.

"E" Word ending Family - 25 free colour activity books, which include word wall, flash cards, picture and word recognition, word tracing, spot the difference, matching, wordsearch,mazes and more.

Also "ch" End word family. One rather large colourful and very educational workook on this word family end.

Other Word Family Workbooks can be found here as they are uploaded. These worksbooks are free and may be used by family/teachers/parents and shared amongst friends. They may NOT be resold.

Developing Fine Motor Skills in Children Free Activity Book

Having received many requests for further information on Fine Motor Skills and how to go about downloading the eBook, I searched the net and compiled this brief report from a number of Top Class websites who specialise in FMS.

Fine motor skills activities for children are the best way to ensure proper development and practice of fine motor skills to promote the most functional use of a child's hands.

Normal development DEMANDS that children are able to accurately and effectively use the small muscles (intrinsic muscles) in their hands. These intrinsic muscles will be used for the rest of their lives and for essential functional activities.

Childhood is the critical time to properly develop these muscles. These are skills that simply may need some extra work to develop optimally, that's all. So, please... no blaming the child or the parents.

The building of fine motor skills in children will enable them to perform a variety of important functional tasks. These include:

tying shoes
zipping and unzipping
buckling and unbuckling
writing legibly and without significant muscle fatigue
playing games that require precise hand and finger control
drawing, painting, and coloring
manipulating buttons and snaps
putting small objects together
doing puzzles
making crafts
using scissors
manipulating small objects such as coins
opening and closing objects
picking up and holding onto small objects
developing and maintaining an effective and proper pencil grip
pinching objects between fingers
using locks and keys
being able to isolate finger movements (i.e., using one finger at a time, such as in playing the piano or typing)
turning things over or turning pages of a book
holding and using utensils properly and effectively
screwing and unscrewing
doing ANYTHING that requires small precise hand and finger movements
You can now see the importance of fine motor skills and the impact it would have if not developed properly! If your child is struggling to do any of these aforementioned activities and you are concerned that they may have poor fine motor skills, then it is time to practice, enhance, and evaluate these skills.

I just want to mention, there is a very high correlation between children with sensory processing disorders and children with a delay in fine motor skills. It is often a big part of sensory integration therapy and one of the main reasons children are initially referred to an Occupational Therapist. Please understand, I am NOT saying they HAVE a sensory processing disorder if they have poor fine motor skills...fine motor delays may be an isolated issue.

I can't stress enough how important properly developed fine motor skills are to every day living! The ability to complete functional activities that require these skills will follow you your entire life. So, I beg of you... if you see signs of fine motor difficulties in any child, please address it with a teacher, Occupational Therapist, or through educating yourself on how to improve fine motor skills.

Main Source of this Information

The free 116 page Activity eBook on Developing Fine Motor Skills in Children can be accessed here.

The 170 Page Activity eBook on Developing Fine Motor Skills in Children can be accessed here. This is also in 2 formats 170 pages is A4, and 172 pages is US letter size.

There are 2 versions of the smaller activity book, 72 pages US size and 70 pages A4 in Scribd and they can be downloaded for free in PDF format. Click here

WARNING: PLEASE READ - As with any activity involving children, I cannot stress enough the importance of safety and adult supervision. NO SCISSORS TASKS, CUT & PASTE ACTIVITIES, PLAY DOUGH ACTIVITIES, COOKING, CUTTING, PASTING OR WORKING WITH SMALLER OBJECTS should be undertaken without appropriate supervision. Little children do not always and cannot always distinguish from what should and should not go into the mouth, the nose, the ears, and since they are still learning the basic skills of cutting, may not be absolutely familiar with the use and handling of a pair of scissors, glue, paste, play dough. Please exercise the utmost caution when undertaking arts, crafts or activities with the children in your care.