Library time

The centre has collected a good stock of reading material, many of these being donated from schools and homes in Bishop's Stortford.

The students enjoy these books and also have set up a library borrowing system whereby they can take books home with them.

 from my iPhone

Story writing

My last day, Sunday morning and students arrived for a 9am start. The plan was to make a mini book with one piece of paper and then write a draft story featuring previous volunteer, Charlene. We discussed story ideas, spelling and using the 5 senses to develop description. Once completed the stories were checked, vocabulary improved and then copied into their books. Illustrations, front cover and titles were added. All very successful. 

 

Fwd: Parachute videos

Sent from my iPhone

Sent from my iPhone

Begin forwarded message:

From: "jonathan forgham" <jforgham@hotmail.com>
To: "jonathan forgham" <jforgham@hotmail.com>
Subject: Parachute videos

Parachute video

Sent from my iPhone

This parachute was a huge success. Great design.

Parachute success

All 5 parachutes worked brilliantly and eggs were returned. No omelettes! 

Parachute making

Saturday was parachute making day. Students planned their parachutes with the aim of them carrying a raw egg. The parachute was to be launched off the balcony and if it worked correctly, the idea was to return the egg intact.

Designs were varied and all successful. 100% success in fact. All eggs were returned complete.

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Kite Making

Following a beach clean students arrived at The Centre for a kite making session. These kites, designed by NASA are made using 2 pieces of A4 paper, a paper straw and a good length of cotton. They fly brilliantly.

Once completed and decorated we wandered to the beach to fly them. All great fun.

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Udawalawe visit

Wednesday 21st was day visit to the superb Udawalawe Reserve, some 3 hours away from Galle. It was Charlene's last day so this was booked as a thank you to her for her month's successful visit. The day before students had given her a fantastic thank you/farewell party.

Upon arrival orphaned elephants were watched being fed before a 3 hour jeep safari. Excellent views of wild elephants as well as monkeys, water buffalo and plenty of colourful birds.

Report and loads of photos at http://littlehadhambirding.blogspot.com/2018/11/visit-to-udawalawe-national-reserve.html?m=1

Charlene slightly excited to see wild elephants.

Water buffalo.

 from my iPhone

Jono arrives in Galle

Flying out on the 19th Nov on the overnight flight, volunteer and organiser Jono arrived at the MindGarden Centre in the afternoon of the 20th. A greeting party had been arranged: students having put out welcoming flowers and offered him a refreshing drink of coconut. Wonderful reception.

Jono with project leader Anoma, his wife Anusha, son Kevin and volunteer Charlene.

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Sentence game

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Grab word cards to construct a sentence of more than 4 words. All sound very excited to participate.

Another Friday, another beach clean

Yesterday, Friday 9th Nov Charlene and Anoma met MindGarden students on the beach next to the Jetwing Lighthouse hotel at 6.30am to have the weekly pick up of all the rubbish washed up on the beach. Staff from the hotel were also helping. It was the debut appearance of our new MindGarden banner. Really good to see.

Following this Charlene had a breakfast at the hotel before returning to the centre to prepare for the afternoon session.

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Charlene’s Day Off

For volunteers at the MindGarden Centre there is always a day free from students.

Today, Charlene visited a nearby rainforest: Kanneliya Forest Reserve. Superb time and a wonderful place.

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MindGarden Centre gets a makeover

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This week students and Charlene have designed and painted a "Wishing Tree" inside the centre. It looks great on the wall and students can add to it in the future.

Also, this morning, the centre gained WiFi and its own private telephone line. An added enhancement that will benefit all who use and stay at the centre.

Saturday 3rd November

Another well attended session at MindGarden. As shown in the photos, students continue to develop their written skills in English. They worked in small groups or pairs to create their writing.

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Sunday 4th November

2 sessions today: firstly a charity car wash in the village where the centre is based and secondly a session for younger children.

The former concluded with dancing and singing whilst later the youngsters were encouraged to draw and spend time colouring and talking about their work. Another session next Sunday for this group of 8-10 year olds.

As depicted, the activity was so good, volunteer Charlene became engrossed in her own work. Wonderful to see younger groups using the centre.

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England Cricket team

As a side issue, the touring England Cricket Team arrived at the Jetwing Lighthouse hotel to stay. They are due to play a Test match at Galle cricket ground, beginning on Tuesday. 

They were greeted by the hotel top staff and traditional Sri Lankan drumming and dancing.