Family Fun Day at Newcastle Writers Festival

http://www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/2017-program/

This year marks the 5th anniversary of the Newcastle Writers Festival. The Family Fun Day is being held on Saturday 8 April, at Wheeler Place (outside Civic Theatre).

The line up for the day looks great. Local illustrators Liz Anelli, Gwynneth Jones and Kirrili Lonergan have planned a fun and interactive session, and Richard Roxburgh will be attending. There will also be a celebration of the 20th anniversary of Harry Potter!

Here is the Family Fun Day program from the Festival website:

FREE FAMILY DAY

Meet some of Australia’s leading writers and illustrators for children at this FREE interactive event. The Wheeler Place hub will inspire creativity with a range of fun activities for children. All featured guests will sign books after their events in the Festival bookshop on the ground floor of nearby City Hall.

MC Katrina McKelvey

10.00am – Art fun with local illustrators Liz Anelli, Gwynneth Jones and Kirrili Lonergan

10.35am – Sea stories with John ‘Stinker’ Clarke

11.00am – Meet Jackie French

11.45am – Artie and the Grime Wave with Richard Roxburgh

12.15pm – Word Hunters with Nick Earls

12.45pm – Newcastle Youth Orchestra Kids introduces Professor Falconette

1pm – 2pm – Celebrate the 20th anniversary of Harry Potter with Professor Falconette

Prizes for the best costume

by Catherine Whittaker

School Holiday Activities

Local libraries have many activities for kids in the school holidays.

Newcastle Region Library’s program can be accessed here: http://www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/Library/Whats-On/Calendar

Activities include:

• Storytimes for ages 3-8 with the themes of Bugs, Easter, and Science
• Family Movie Night
• Lego Master Builders Challenge
• Science Galore – presented by the SMART Team from Newcastle Uni
• Make your own kaleidoscope

Bookings are requried for some sessions.

Lake Macquarie Libraries also have some great activities which you can find here:

https://library.lakemac.com.au/kids/school-holiday-fun

Newcastle Art Gallery also has workshops in both weeks of the holidays. Bookings are required and each session costs $10. For more information:

http://nag.org.au/Whats-On/Event-Calendar/Swimming-Self-Portraits-Children-s-workshops

http://nag.org.au/Whats-On/Event-Calendar/Paper-Toy-Boats-Children-s-workshops

Which Harry Potter character would Mrs Critchley like to be?

Thanks to 2C’s Mrs Critchley for sharing her favourite books, authors and tips with
us this week!

What was your favourite book as a child?

As a younger child I loved reading the Enid Blyton books. I also remember in high school my year 8 teacher asking us to read “To Kill a Mockingbird”. I started it reluctantly but after the first chapter I was hooked!

What is your favourite current children’s book?

I love all of the Pamela Allen books. I think “Ordinary Albert” is one of my favourites. The ending is unexpected and quite funny!

If you were a book character, who would you be?

Hermione Granger from the Harry Potter books. She’s smart, funny, insanely talented at magic, a true friend and a good dancer. She’s the coolest girl in any story she appears in.

What is your one tip for parents?

Turn off the TV!

Teacher Interview – Ms Loredo!!!

This week we find out Ms Loredo’s favourite books and authors!

What was your favourite book as a child?

Dr Seuss – “Oh The Thinks You Can Think”.

What is your favourite current children’s books?

My favourite current author is Shaun Tan, especially “The Lost Thing”.

If you were a book character, who would you be?

The Cat in the Hat. The idea of being a cheeky, fun and smart cat who makes children happy is perfect, especially as a teacher.

What is your tip for parents?

Read and talk about a wide variety of topics, beause it develops your child’s knowledge of the world.

Australian Biography series for kids

 

There is a great series of books that focus on significant men and women in Australian history. The “Meet…” series are a collection of picture books, and titles include “Meet”: Nellie Melba, Weary Dunlop, Douglas Mawson, Nancy Bird Walton, Don Bradman, Captain Cook, Banjo Paterson, Sidney Nolan, Mary MacKillop.

The books give an overview of the early life, challenges and successes of each iconic Australian. These books are an accessible introduction to biographies, designed for primary school kids (years 3-6), however younger kids will enjoy them if they are interested in the topic.

The books are available from Newcastle and Lake Mac Libraries, online and bookshops.