CORONAVIRUS - What will I do at home for two weeks?!?!? (...and then some!)

So, I thought I'd start up the blog again just to collate information.
Another crisis, another lock down with blogging time!

For parents and carers, there is a big worry about how to pass the time.  To be honest, especially for the younger members of the family, the key word is PLAY. Let them discover new things through observation:

One home learning mum has written this and it's amazing!

 It will de-stress a lot of worried parents.

• Watch the clouds pass by, what shape are they? Can you draw them?
• Can you hear the birds? Count them, learn their names, feed them and observe their behaviour.
• Plant some seeds, watch them grow. KALE, SPINACH, JAPANESE TURNIP, LETTUCE & RADISHES all grow in about 8 weeks or even less. 
• Or grow some sprouts - all you need are kitchen towels and seeds.
• Remember some vegetables are 'cut & grown again' like celery or lettuce or fennel. Put the base of the vegetable in water after you have eaten them and watch the roots grow

• Also on offer are FREE Twinkl resources for a month. If you have never used this it is a fantastic hub for resources for teachers & parents alike.

Basically the free code is CVDTWINKLHELPS

Go to www.twinkl.co.uk/offer and then enter the code. If you're unsure, there is a video link through their Facebook page on how to do it.
One home learning mum has written this and it's amazing! It will de-stress a lot of worried parents.

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And below are just some screenshots I found along the way. As you will see, the activities do not need to be taxing. Follow your child's lead and mould the learning into what they want to do.

• Outdoor Learning Made Easy are also offering free resources for parents. https://www.outdoorlearningmadeeasy.co.uk/outdoor-learning-made-easy-news/free-parent-member-resources-to-help-ease-stress-during-the-coronavirus-pandemic/?fbclid=IwAR0beZ61G52p9Z86cgRfVC-aA8wDdNNwOER2VCo-o3HBlXHotd92IvqpIJA

• AND this guy has a great page on Facebook - 'Forest School in the Home & Garden' as well as a YouTube channel that he is developing. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeZCIRyP2eX56UaUCL8vISQ?fbclid=IwAR1ca9bieCGdUEjFoupRkMpEjf2X3cJHxxBoGif3hWjl2Mi2I0IQuYA3FJE&app=desktop

• I saw a great activity this morning - cut out one pair of hands and one pair of feet X as many as you want. Line them up , so row 1 could be left hand, left foot, right hand, right foot and then change it for the next row and the next row . Make it as long as you like and stick them to the ground. It's a challenge to follow as you try and go faster and faster !  (if anyone tries this send me a pic to share!)

• Virtual Museum tours - This one is for all ages!! https://www.southernliving.com/syndication/museums-with-virtual-tours?utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=southernliving_southernliving&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_term=1878E92E-6542-11EA-AAAC-CF782FEB5590&fbclid=IwAR04uimZxgM_ojb3Zj5VHGw6fw7fE3YKHxFeXb2f2Zt7PZt6QJQkWNOYV2o

• More outdoor learning ideas - One month free membership - https://themuddypuddleteacher.co.uk/muddy-subscriptions/?fbclid=IwAR1c05__fj-vuukCze94VA0PG4sEaEetC_NgJ29wGHVI9rEfhgoJzpSZGgc

• Scholastic has HEAPS of ideas too and for free - https://classroommagazines.scholastic.com/support/learnathome.html

• Three reception teachers got together to create THIS - it's brill: (Well done Stephanie Barry, Annie Belcher & Cristina Ristano)  

• And one month free subscription HERE to more outdoor learning methods and resources- https://themuddypuddleteacher.co.uk

https://www.discoverwildlife.com/news/national-trust-free-coronavirus/?fbclid=IwAR2tlFLeFkJLticGnRsnlBUHgM3Wy59IeHrdGK7JxSJ2NTdHX9XvUO9EfeE

• And this is superb - a link to a page with SOOOOO many more links for you! Museums,activities, languages .. https://chatterpack.net/blogs/blog/list-of-online-resources-for-anyone-who-is-isolated-at-home

• One of my personal favourite activities is SALT DOUGH!!! You can make virtually ANYTHING!!1 cup flour, 1/2 cup salt, 1/2 cup water. Leave it to dry (1-2 days, or bake it -  I personally like to wait for it to dry itself. Paint it et voila! I have made beads before and then made loads of necklaces. And I have even made a MAP using the salt dough to learn about topology. The options are endless.

• And my own favourite activities which you could easily make indoors with things brought back from your daily walks 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/14kFDI6S7_lzMbw-9u8OqJixd9WFIfyG8/view?usp=sharing

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• For the ADULTS - use this time to read those books, do some yoga & MEDITATE - This period can wreak havoc on our minds, so please take good care of yourselves (I recommend Yoga with Adriene on YouTube) https://yogawithadriene.com

• My friend has a meditation ready for you here especially for your health and protection- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4i2aK8hMDiA&t=4s 

• Get on Skype/whatsapp and catch up with old friends. Check in on your folks and elders (via phone etc.)

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Remember, BE KIND, BE POSITIVE and BE SAFE 

COCONUT OIL!!!!

It's not even a new discovery, but day by day there are new ways to use it!!!

Today's new lesson? SUNBLOCK!!!!

Store bought sun screen can block UVB rays but these are 'good' rays that can provide our body with vitamin D. Coconut oil doesn't block these rays but it does provide a protective layer for your skin against the sun and helps you tan too.
Incidentally, these store bought products also contain cancer causing chemicals (including palm oil derivatives) even if in small doses...(look for: retinyl palmitate)

Coconut oil uses

• Cooking oil
• Sunblock
• Face care
• Hair care
• Toothpaste (mix with baking soda & peppermint oil!)
• In the shower - try coconut oil, baking soda and aloe vera gel!
• sunburn! http://butterbeliever.com/sunburn-remedy/
• Apparently, it can help you lose weight too! SERIOUSLY  check it - http://authoritynutrition.com/coconut-oil-and-weight-loss/

Sources:

http://www.whydontyoutrythis.com/2013/07/ditch-the-toxic-sunscreen-use-coconut-oil-instead.html

http://naturalsociety.com/ditch-toxic-sunscreen-use-coconut-oil-instead/

http://livingprettynaturally.com/natural-oil-sunscreens-what-you-need-to-know/

http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2012/03/homemade-toothpaste-with-coconut-oil.html

http://www.coconut-oil-central.com/coconut-oil-sunburn.html

http://www.coconutmagic.com/blog/284/coconut-oil-as-sunscreen.html

As a side note - raspberry oil has a stronger SPF factor than coconut oil.

http://www.vivawoman.net/2010/04/getting-sun-protection-from-natural-ingredients/

Red Rapsberry Seed Oil has SPF as high as 28 – 50

Hemp Seed Oil – SPF 6
Macadamia Oil – SPF 6
Sesame Seed Oil SPF 4
Shea Butter – SPF 4
Jojoba Oil – SPF 4
Coconut Oil – SPF 2

Shimoda Aquarium..living conditions for the creatures...

There is always a big debate with animal lovers about just how much zoos and aquariums can really 'educate' us about each animal.

Shimoda floating aquarium

For example, you don't hear the gibbon song at Ueno Zoo because each gibbon is alone in a cage compared to the wilderness of the forest where they sing from tree to tree. BUT, these places can offer us the chance to see creatures we might never normally come face to face with even if we do travel to their country of origin.

The dolphin 'homes'

The dolphins at Shimoda aquarium are directly from Taiji, but that is not what this is about.

Once captured dolphins, turtles and all sea creatures at this aquarium deserve some semblance of respect and good quality of living conditions especially given the vast area of water they would normally live in. But, as if witnessing the mass murder of their family members or the brutal and heartbreaking separation from their babies, these creatures are then made to live in horrid conditions while still being expected to perform tricks for the visitors as well as accompany snorkelers in the water.

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Improve the living conditions at Shimoda aquarium! Sign this petition!

(change.org)

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While the whole experience is a learning process for the humans involved, what does it all mean for the animals? The dolphins are supposed to stay in that rectangular compound that is rusting at the sides? We saw plastic bags and garbage floating on the water...

And the loggerhead turtles? 

Please see the pictures below...

I wish I had taken more and some video just to prove the point, but I think you can imagine..

Loggerhead turtles need much more space than what the aquarium is offering them... all nine of them, outside the gift shop.

 

This is not education. This is cruel.Look at their shells, their sad faces and their horrid 'house'. This needs to change.

I have written some messages to the aquarium because we need to know if they are aware of this situation and they are changing it at all.

Also, to precipitate any futures changes that they should be making, I have started a petition, we need as many signatures as possible to show them that many people care about this situation.  Please sign and share and even though these creatures will have to live in captivity, let's at least make it a more pleasant experience for they deserve that much.

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Improve the living conditions at Shimoda aquarium! Sign this petition!

(causes.com)
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They can grow up to 120cm!! and 140kg....but not in this tank..

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Improve the living conditions at Shimoda aquarium! Sign this petition!

(causes.com)

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Improve the living conditions at Shimoda aquarium! Sign this petition!

(change.org)

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And, I forgot to even add this, but when you arrive at Izukyushimoda station, there is a tank with two or three turtles waiting to 'greet' you and remind you of your potential visit to the aquarium. Ugh.

Taken from their facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/shimoda.aquarium/photos/a.267730456663115.41250.262665050502989/366126693490157/?type=1&theater

My Reggio Lifestyle...

I have decided to collate the school / work blog posts on a new blog...(I now have four, but at least they are in organised!)

My Reggio Lifestyle will continue here with ideas and crafts, mostly for my future reference, but hopefully the blog can be enjoyed by others too.

Crafts away!!!!!!

The housewife is back!

 

It's vinegar time once again, this time to be rid of the  fruit flies! 
Simply add some apple cider vinegar to a small bowl with water and washing up liquid.
The sweet vinegar attracts the flies, while the washing liquid keeps them there.

Blog deliberation

So confused as to which one is best!

Tumblr is slick - Blogspot, clumsy but convenient...Gosh, the debates in life!!!

http://leonorasophie-everyday.tumblr.com/

vs

http://leonorasophie-everyday.blogspot.jp/

The big City

 The big city…It’s hard to think I lived here before and loved it!

Am finding the adjustment a little hard, but at least we have a great view across the west of Tokyo!

Christmas has passed with lots of cake! Thank goodness it is not a public holiday as we are still organising the apartment and running around a little on errand. But, there was plenty of cake and I am happy!

No more boxes…am even happier!

Time to get ready for the New Year! Looking forward to 2013…many adventures planned!

ペーパー ド ライバー

It’s a great phrase that actually for once makes sense!!

"ペーパー ド ライバー” in Katakana represents someone who has the licence and doesn't use it. That’s me! So I have opted to have driving lessons to get some practice in!

Had my first one last week, and I surprised it went so well!!

Can’t wait to get on the road again, but might just wait until we settle in the new place!

Phew! So much happening!!! :)

Transferring a UK licence to a Japanese licence.

My experience at the driving centre.

Konosu is my 'local' centre to visit to do the change over. I am lucky to be British today as we are able to take the required documents and have an eye check and get the Japanese licence... so I am told!

Konosu driving centre is a bus ride (5mins) from Konosu station (which in turn is about 20 mins from Omiya).

I went to JAF last year to translate my UK licence, buy it was on the day of the earthquake, so even though I got my licence (after also visiting immigration and attempting to renew my visa), there have been a few hiccups since. This cost us ￥3000.

It is important to check what is needed at each centre as it could differ. I was told, that after the translation, I would need proof of living in UK for three months after getting my licence....when I was 17!!!!

It was time to call my mother and get her to help me dig up this ancient passport. Then, getting it took a while as I did not trust then post, so waited until I could go and pick it up myself.

We had phoned a couple of times to see if my university certificate (which would prove what they wanted to know more than a European passport with countless stamps in would) but to no avail.

I did find out (unlike some others on blogs I had read - see below) that you need the residents certificate - Juumin-hyoufrom your ward office as well. Do not forget this! 

So, I rocked up today, green lights at each crossing, a bus waiting for me at the station..you know the kind of day. Even the receptionist was friendly. I had to head straight to the second floor and wait. And wait and wait. Actually, it was only half an hour, but I had hoped that whole thing would be finished by half past 11.

I arrived at five to 10. It is worth noting that the room is open at 10am, but you can start lining up from 9.40 and you may even get seen.

The policeman who dealt with me was really friendly too. (I think I read only bad horror stories...).

I was however very nervous. I realised that I forgot to bring number two passport (my first and third should have been enough...) and I forgot my university certificate as I had wanted as much proof as possible.

Anyway, he tried to check each stamp in the passport that I used from 1995 and I explained that in Europe they don't always stamp, actually I had to ask for them, but he was worried about entries into one country then nothing out.

He was very thorough checking everything, and my heart was beating fast even though nothing was amiss.

He stamped the forms, and we made an appointment for 1pm. Yes, there was more to come and he told me I should be finished by 3.30. I was to buy some stamps for my form...around ￥2400.

Counters 1& 2 are for the foreign licence exchange (and eye tests)

At 1pm prompt, the shutters to the counters opened. We were led through for the eye test, which took ten seconds. You can even answer in English - up down, red, blue. Easy.

Then, I was sent up to the third floor, room 6. I was the only one from the group foreigners; my heart was pounding...it still is...I am sitting in the exam room, so I had to check - I am not ready for a test!

The policeman was due (at 1.45...) to talk to us about safety on the road.

I was wondering which would be more boring...

Well, the guy came and babbled the fastest Japanese to everyone which was crazy; he was obviously up against the clock. Before he began his rant, he did say to me that it didn't matter if I didn't understand it anyway! He then went on to talk about the three people who failed their test today (including one foreigner...hey ho)

Then the guy led everyone out with me...ME at the front of the queue being fast-tracked to the counter to receive my card. I had to collect another ￥2050 worth of stamps and await my card.

After a quick picture, mouth closed (!) I was goof to go! And an hour earlier than expected too!

All in all, it was no a bad experience knowing that I didn't have tests along the way, but it didn't feel like that.

My advice - read around, but be prepared.

Double check your own offices requirements and be sure you have each document ready.

The blogs below helped and didn't help me in my preparation...Luckily, I was OK!!! 

GOOD LUCK!!!

THIS GUY HAD A COUPLE OF CRAZY VISITS TO THE CENTRE, BUT FOR A CANADIAN, IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN EASIER!!

http://lart.ca/2007/05/01/my-big-konosu-adventure-part-1

http://lart.ca/2007/05/02/my-big-konosu-adventure-part-2-round-and-round

http://lart.ca/2007/05/02/my-big-konosu-adventure-part-3-getting-your-address-right-is-the-most-important-thing

THIS GUY WAS A BIT MORE INSPIRING AND MADE ME FEEL MORE RELAXED BEFORE I WENT

http://www.robertliu.com/archives/429

Dwindling blog entries...

It's so great to be able to jot down the day, the week, the fleeting moments that pass so fast...but when there are too many, no fingers can type hard enough nor fast enough to fit it all in.

And as such, my study of the flowers is not as acute as last year. I still read the labels, but I don't monitor them as closely and I forget much more easily their names or even if they have been 'fed'.

I have embarked upon more studies, enrolled for another Japanese exam (miraculously passed the last one), have entered University again, 'playing with garbage' and of course, looking after hubby and Elbi.

Another challenge for the list is the 'October Daily' - one poem a day for the long month of November.
It worked last year, and when it comes to writing, having challenges that can be reached are important.

So, expect nothing on this blog here!! But do pop by to read a poem sometime!!

http://leonorasophie.blogspot.jp/

Let's Play With Garbage!

Lets Play with Garbage!

OK, I have finally gone 'public' with my new little creation. 

It's all about having fun with the kids, but at no major expense to the environment.

Have a look at the site and do get in touch if you have any awesome suggestions!

Thanks.

The abandoned garden

It's amazing what happens when you let all the mundane things in life take over.

I haven't had half a chance to look after our flowers and plants since the last post. The flowers are drying out, it's too hot to hope that they will look after themselves and I am just watching them die.

However, this will change and soon!! The survivors are doing well...

This year's Anthurium...pink!!

Morning glory! 

Hello!

At the lake! Huge flower - what is it?

Everyone has these outside their house...they grow well, easy to flower and very colourful...but what is it?!

6 years in Japan!!!!

Wow - just reached my Japan-iversary...#groan#

BUtttttt, it is always exciting to recall how long I have been here because I left the UK with the plan to check out Japan and be back in a year (and collect my turtle!!). And, here I still am, sans turtle (RIP T.T) but with hubby, dog, hamster and SOOooooo much fun wrapped up in a big ball of memories.

Sure, it has been an emotional journwy what with recent events, but I would not change Japan for anything else. Not yet, anyway.

I have learnt to snowboard, I study Japanese - whether I can speak it is debatable. I am learning Taiko and I love origami and almost refuse to leave the house without my lunch looking 'kawaii'.

A furoshiki does the amazing job of making a regular tupperware pot seem exciting!

I have (re) developed a crazy kitty obsession with possession ranging from hundred (yes) of hand towels with pictures of Hello Kitty dressed for each region, town etc...Chopsticks, socks, computer cleaners, stickers, ear muffs (modelled by one of my students!), a chair, slippers, bags and just regular toys, but the toys don't last long when Elbi is around!

It has been an adventure to say the least; I have explored some long-dreamt-of Asian countries and hidden places, not least Indonesia. I have taken a new path of life, not just down the teaching road (absolutely LOVE kindergarten work) but, also developed a deep interest in the environment around us and am furthering my studies in that field too.

When I left England, I had a suitcase that had far too many clothes in and had to be sent back; I cried more than buckets for I thought my life was over...Really, it was just beginning!! Woo Hoo!!!

6 years in Japan!!!!

Wow - just reached my Japan-iversary...#groan#

BUtttttt, it is always exciting to recall how long I have been here because I left the UK with the plan to check out Japan and be back in a year (and collect my turtle!!). And, here I still am, sans turtle (RIP T.T) but with hubby, dog, hamster and SOOooooo much fun wrapped up in a big ball of memories.

Sure, it has been an emotional journwy what with recent events, but I would not change Japan for anything else. Not yet, anyway.

I have learnt to snowboard, I study Japanese - whether I can speak it is debatable. I am learning Taiko and I love origami and almost refuse to leave the house without my lunch looking 'kawaii'. 

A furoshiki does the amazing job of making a regular tupperware pot seem exciting!

I have (re) developed a crazy kitty obsession with possession ranging from hundred (yes) of hand towels with pictures of Hello Kitty dressed for each region, town etc...Chopsticks, socks, computer cleaners, stickers, ear muffs (modelled by one of my students!), a chair, slippers, bags and just regular toys, but the toys don't last long when Elbi is around!

It has been an adventure to say the least; I have explored some long-dreamt-of Asian countries and hidden places, not least Indonesia. I have taken a new path of life, not just down the teaching road (absolutely LOVE kindergarten work) but, also developed a deep interest in the environment around us and am furthering my studies in that field too.

When I left England, I had a suitcase that had far too many clothes in and had to be sent back; I cried more than buckets for I thought my life was over...Really, it was just beginning!! Woo Hoo!!!

Speechy!

Today I took part in the local speech contest in Kasukabe!

It was such a great (read nerve-racking) experience! I talked about volunteering and what it really means to volunteer. Actually, I enjoyed every second and had fun talking to new friends.

It is always such a good experience to do these things, no matter how many nerves come and tie up the insides of your stomach.

Next on the list is another proficiency test, so the study has by no means finished yet!!!

GAMBARIMASHITA!!!!

First snow of the season!!

Just spent one amazing weekend in the north enjoying some of the loveliest snow and slopes! I love winter!!!

Winter is always such a busy time - busy keeping warm, busy trying to study all sorts of things (2012 is about working the brain is oh-so-many ways), busy trying to catch as much snow as possible, busy writing a list of things we simply have to do here in Japan, just in case we do leave sometime soon.

My poetry book is selling well for Kalaweit. It's so nice to have some support for such a great cause. Now, I just have to get my act together to finish my novel for the very same great cause. Wish me luck!

Stay warm this winter!!!