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Face to Face Communication versus Tecnology
FROM A TEACHER: Yesterday, I shut down class about 5 minutes early and told my students I wanted them to just sit and talk to one another. Several of them immediately opened their laptops and began navigating to their favorite computer game.
I said, "No, no laptops. I want you to have … View moreFROM A TEACHER: Yesterday, I shut down class about 5 minutes early and told my students I wanted them to just sit and talk to one another. Several of them immediately opened their laptops and began navigating to their favorite computer game.
I said, "No, no laptops. I want you to have face-to-face conversations right now."
After a collective groan went up, I observed something both wonderful and alarming. For the next few minutes, a couple of tables came alive with conversation. They looked at each other in the eyes and talked with great enthusiasm and interest. It was beautiful to watch and listen to.
However, many students were deflated. They did not know what to do without some sort of entertainment from a device. A couple of them put their heads down and avoided eye contact with anyone. I went around the room to those students and tried to engage with them. Some of them mustered a few words, but most didn't know what to do.
I share this story as a wakeup call for parents, grandparents, and guardians. It's tragic to me that a large percentage of today's youth do not know how to have real conversation, but it's not their fault. It is our responsibility as adults to lead by example and hold our kids accountable. Unplug every day, talk, and listen to your children. Getting lost in a device does not help them cope with and overcome the things they're going through mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. All it causes is isolation and depression. They need relationships; they need you.
I plan on doing it again today. #PleaseShare
This was written and supplied by Margaret Johnson in Kaikohe
We Say/You Say: trans-Tasman bubble
Hi Whangārei!
After more than a year of closed borders, Australians and New Zealanders will soon be able to jet-hop between countries after the government announced that the trans-Tasman travel bubble is to be operational from April 19.
With quarantine-free travel now possible, are you more … View moreHi Whangārei!
After more than a year of closed borders, Australians and New Zealanders will soon be able to jet-hop between countries after the government announced that the trans-Tasman travel bubble is to be operational from April 19.
With quarantine-free travel now possible, are you more likely to head across the Tasman or travel domestically?
Fronting Australian media yesterday, Jacinda Ardern not only spoke of the excitement of families being able to be reunited, but also pitched New Zealand tourist activities to Australian viewers.
"If there is a hot spot in one of the states of Australia we may just act in the same way that another state would ... Just prepare that there may be disruptions, but what better place in the world to be stuck. Am I right?," she said.
The trans-Tasman bubble will operate on a three tier basis: Continue, Pause and Suspend. If there are a few cases in Australia linked to the border, quarantine-free travel will continue. Travel may be paused for 72 hours if there are rogue community cases and in the instance of a state or nationwide lockdown, travel will be suspended.
Share your thoughts below and don't forget to type NFP if you don't want your comment featured in the Conversations page of the Whangārei Leader.
Have you been the victim of car theft?
Police are urging motorists to lock their cars, park out of sight and remove valuables from vehicles after a spate of car break-ins and thefts.
Acting Senior Sergeant Christian Stainton, Whangārei area prevention manager, said cars with valuable items in view have particularly been targeted.
The … View morePolice are urging motorists to lock their cars, park out of sight and remove valuables from vehicles after a spate of car break-ins and thefts.
Acting Senior Sergeant Christian Stainton, Whangārei area prevention manager, said cars with valuable items in view have particularly been targeted.
The Kamo, Tikipunga and Morningside areas are hotspots, he said.
Have you recently had a car stolen or had something taken from inside your car? Could you have done anything differently to prevent it?
We are looking for a VERY SPECIAL Home...
When Peggy came into the SPCA she was pregnant and missing the lower part of her right hind leg. We don't know what happened with her leg as it was an old injury. Now, thanks to our vet team and the care of our staff, she is desexed, has had her leg amputated and is ready to move on and find … View moreWhen Peggy came into the SPCA she was pregnant and missing the lower part of her right hind leg. We don't know what happened with her leg as it was an old injury. Now, thanks to our vet team and the care of our staff, she is desexed, has had her leg amputated and is ready to move on and find her forever home. She's a smoochy, sweet natured girl with a loving, playful purrsonality.
She is still recovering and learning about life on 3 legs. Once she has built up her strength she will be a normal cat with an awesome nature! We are looking for a family home with older kids, no other cats as she has been treated for cat flu, and a safe area for her once she's outside as she won't be as quick on her feet for a while. You can check her out on our website or give us a call at the centre on 094389161 ext 5 to make an appointment to come in and meet her www.spca.nz...
Are guava moths invading the feijoas where you are?
It's feijoa season but guava moths can play havoc on this delicious crop. Are guava moths a problem where you live? And have you tried any of these recommendations to get rid of them?
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