Monthly Archives: August 2010

Celebrating books

Posted on

Children’s Book Week was celebrated by children and young people, families and staff at the RCH from Saturday 21 to Friday 27 August 2010.

Children and young people in hospital during Children’s Book Week miss out on significant activities and events that their schools and local libraries organise to celebrate books, reading and Australian authors and illustrators. So this year, we once again brought the excitement of Children’s Book Week to the RCH.

RCH teachers organised a range of learning activities based around the 2010 theme, ‘Across the story bridge’, to ensure our patients didn’t miss out on the fun of Book Week. Activities included storytelling, building bridges and exploring expressions, rhymes and stories featuring bridges.

Everyone shared in the joy of books by reading, telling stories and taking a trip ‘across the story bridge’ with the children, young people and families that joined in celebrations across the hospital.

Children’s Book Week is the longest running children’s festival in Australia, celebrating its 65th birthday this year. By bringing the festivities to the RCH, the Education Institute not only highlighted the importance of books and reading, but provided children and young people the chance to become absorbed in a world away from the hospital environment.

It was also a week to acknowledge the work of teachers, parents and members of the community who support young people to develop stronger literacy skills through reading.

National Science Week

Posted on

National Science WeekNational Science Week commencing 16th August 2010 celebratates everything science. The teachers will conduct a range of special science activities for patients, families and staff.

Celebrating key educational events is just one of the many ways teachers at the RCH keep patients and families connected to learning and enjoying the sorts of things that are happening back at school.

Children and young people will take part in fun, educational activities themed around biodiversity and the environment. They will make their own fossils using plasticine and plaster, learn about climate change and contribute to ward-based displays of interesting science facts, plus much, much more!

So be on the lookout for this week’s activities and displays as the RCH delves into the wonderful world of science.

Some of the facts our patients have found interesting are:

  • Antarctica is the coldest place on earth—as cold as -89.2°C has been recorded! Brrrrrrr.
  • Under its white fur, a polar bear’s skin is actually black. This helps it absorb heat from the sun.
  • The human body has 206 bones
  • A camel’s hump actually stores fat, not water.

For more information about activities on the wards and outpatient areas, speak to an RCH teacher.