MARCH BREAK FUN!

Julie and the kids make bird feed, paper flowers and prints.

Providing a supplemental food will help ensure birds have enough energy to stay warm. Calorie-rich black sunflower seeds and preservative-free suet are great choices. Place feeders at different heights to attract different species. Platform feeding areas attract jays and grosbeaks, while titmice and finches enjoy hanging feeders. Ground feeders like mourning doves and juncos will take care of any seeds that fall from elevated feeders.

1. Continue to stock feeders. Early foods are still scarce, and there is still the possibility of snow.
2. Place raisins and other cut-up fruit in bare spots under a tree to please early birds like robins.
3. Set up and fill a bird bath once temperatures are above freezing.
4. Put out hummingbird feeders so early arrivals have a source of nectar while flowers are scarce.
5. Leave scraps of yarn or cut hair in your yard for birds to use as nesting material.

Cookie Cutter Bird Feeders

what you’ll need:
-3/4 cup birdseed 
-1/4 cup water
-1 small envelope of knox gelatine
-twine or string
-cookie cutters, molds or mason jar lids
-wax paper

what you’ll do:
-mix together the envelope of gelatine with 1/4 cup of water and bring to a simmer while stirring. continue stirring until the gelatine is dissolved.
-remove from heat and let cool for a minute.
-stir in the 3/4 cup birdseed. adding a little more if there is liquid still in the bottom of the pan.
-lay your cookie cutters out on wax paper and fill half way with the birdseed mixture.

-cut your twine, knot the end and push the knot down into your birdseed.
-continue filling with birdseed, covering the end of your twine and knot.
-push the birdseed evenly into the cookie cutter until it’s full.

-allow them to dry overnight. turning them over every now and then.
-remove from the cookie cutters and hang them in your trees.
-then wait by the window to watch for your first guest.

Thanks to eighteen25 for the idea

Bagel Bird Feeder

1 day-old bagel
Lard
Birdseed
Jute or string (for hanging

Spread entire bagel with lard. Place birdseed on a paper plate. Roll the bagel in the birdseed. Tie jute or string through the hole of the bagel to hang the bagel. The birds can eat the whole thing!

 

This is easy & fun for a children's project. Tie this in a tree somewhere near a window if possible. Children love to watch the birds have the snack that they helped to make!

Pine Cone and Peanut Butter Bird Feeder. 

2015 Capital Educators' Awards - Last week to vote

Teachers play a critical role in our children’s lives, and yet, we rarely get the chance to let them know just how much we appreciate them. Nominate your favourite teacher for the 2015 Capital Educators' Award!

SPARKING CURIOSITY- UNLOCKING POTENTIAL

Nominate your favourite teacher for the 2015 Capital Educators' Award

Teachers play a critical role in our children’s lives, and yet, we rarely get the chance to let them know just how much we appreciate them. Ottawa is the only community in Canada that honours the contributions of its educators across the whole spectrum, from elementary to post-secondary!

You now have a chance to show your gratitude and make a teacher’s day (or year!) by nominating them for a 2015 Capital Educators' Awards at www.edugala.ca. The form is very simple to fill out, and will take no time.

Anyone can submit a nomination for French or English teachers from Kindergarten to PhD. Nominations close February 27, 2015.

The Ottawa Network for Education will recognize the achievements of outstanding educators and celebrate public education at the 14th annual Capital Educators’ Awards on May 21, 2015.  Award recipients are announced at the gala dinner aptly called EduGala.

The Capital Educators’ Awards recognize the achievements of outstanding educators and celebrates public education in our community – from kindergarten to PhD. All educators who have classroom teaching responsibilities at one of the 10 partner institutions in Ottawa are eligible to be nominated.  Anyone can submit a nomination form! Nominate today!

Last year 18 educators were awarded Capital Educators’ Awards at EduGala!

Here is how one of these educators inspired our youth:

Sherri Billowits a teacher at St. George School.  When presented with a challenge, Sherri is not one to shy away. With no prior experience teaching non-verbal children, she jumped in with both feet, asking questions of parents and visiting a therapy centre to learn more.  Her goal is to fully integrate these children into her class.

Her innate ability to recognize when a child really wants to learn – even with no words – is remarkable.

The other children in Sherri’s class also learn a valuable lesson of acceptance. They learn that they too can help a special needs child. In reminding parents that their community is an essential part of assisting their children, Sherri has helped these students take their rightful place in society.

Sherry Poirer was also a winner at last year’s awards.  Sherry teaches at Algonquin College and has worked in various nursing specialty areas. Her primary area of interest and passion is Community Health Nursing, specifically working with vulnerable or marginalized populations. In keeping with her Progressive Adult Education philosophy, Sherry sees education “as life itself”.  She believes that when education develops the person (as well as the mandated professional skills), the learning experience is enhanced and society, as a whole, benefits. Strategies that encourage active participation, connection to real-life situations and personal reflection are commonly used in her classes.  Oh, as well a fair bit of humor!

To nominate your favorite educator today visit www.edugala.ca!

The Ottawa Network for Education (ONFE) brings together education and community partners committed to enriching public education in Ottawa. We harness the resources of the community to help students succeed in a rapidly changing world.  Our Student Support and Career Preparation programs are in 87% of schools in Ottawa.  Over 120,000 students across the city have access to our programs.

Family Day Fun

We are celebrating a three-day weekend with Family Day on February 16! There are loads of fun events happening all over the city that are sure to keep your family busy. Here are a few of my top picks.

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Winterlude

This is the final weekend for Winterlude and there is something for everyone. From glittering ice carvings and majestic snow sculptures to a gigantic snow playground and explosive shows under the winter sky, Winterlude is a great way to celebrate and enjoy the city this weekend. You can find a full list of activities here. It’s going to be a cold one though, so be sure to dress warm in layers and fill your backpack with supplies so you don’t get left out in the cold.

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Golden Anniversary of the Canada Flag

This Sunday, February 15, marks the 50th Anniversary of the Canadian Flag!  Our red and white maple leaf flag was first raised over Parliament Hill 50 years ago on February 15, 1965. This is a significant and special milestone!  Why not celebrate with your family be making a special flag of your own. 

Handpainted Canada Flag

Here’s an easy one.  Grab some paper and red paint.  Let the creativity begin.

 Canada Flag Playdough

Have your children model a Canadian Flag from play dough and take some time to talk about our flag, our country and our heritage as you work.  Instructions here are from http://onetimethrough.com.

You Will Need:
2 cups flour
2 cups water
2 Tbsp Cream of Tartar
2 Tbsp Oil
1 cup salt
Red food colouring (I use Wiltshire for the vibrant colour!)
a Maple Leaf cookie cutter
Optional: red glitter

Mix the dry ingredients together. Add the water and oil. Cook over medium-low heat until the dough no longer looks wet. Allow the dough to rest for 1 minute away from heat. Knead in the food colouring.

Once your playdough is ready, colour about 2/3rds of it red and leave the rest uncoloured. 

Colouring Pages 

 Colouring pages are a an easy way to get smaller kids involved.