Poole Library Launches Code Club

Children in Poole can learn all about computer programming at a new Code Club available at Poole Central Library

As part of its Digital and Learning Offer, Poole Central Library launches Code Club on Wednesday 27 January, joining the nationwide network of free volunteer-led coding clubs for children aged 9-11.

Code Club will show children how to program by encouraging them to make computer games, animations and websites in a fun and engaging way. Children are invited to come along to the first session at 4.30-5.30pm on the day.

Code Club goes beyond knowing how to use technology to how it works and how to build it too.  Children will also develop their problem solving and logical thinking skills.

Mohan Iyengar, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Libraries, Borough of Poole, said: "We’re in a digital age and it’s terrific that our children have the chance to get hands-on with coding. Code Clubs are an exciting new venture, and just a part of the Learning and Digital Offer in our library service.”

Code Clubs support the Government's STEM programme (science, technology, engineering & maths) by increasing young people’s STEM skills in order to provide employers with skills needed for a 21st century workforce. This helps to ensure the UK’s position as a leader of science based research and development.

Code Club will be held at Poole Central Library on Wednesdays 4.30 – 5.30pm during term time. Places are free, but you do need to book. To book a place visit any Poole Library or phone 01202 262449 or email libraries@poole.gov.uk. More information about Code Club can be found at: www.codeclub.org.uk

Review - The Owl Who Lost Its Twoo

 

The Owl Who Lost Its Twoo

 



We have been asked to review the children's book 'The Owl Who Lost Its Twoo' written and illustrated by former primary and special school teacher Suzie Allkins. Suzie is also a mum to two children and lives in Dorset.

Ollie the owl may have a tiny beak but he is very noisy and disturbs the fox, mouse and bat in the moonlit wood. The wise old wizard owl puts a spell on Ollie to help him become less noisy but the spells goes wrong and Ollie loses his Twoo! Poor Ollie is only able to shout 'Twit' and the creatures in the wood think he is being unkind, this upsets Ollie and he hides away quietly.

The fox, mouse and bat ask the wizard owl for help and he finds Ollie and offers to put the spell right if Ollie promises to speak more quietly. The wise owl gets the spell right this time and Ollie has learnt his lesson not to yell and to think about the words he says as they can hurt too. Ollie the owl still enjoys a loud Twit Twoo when no one else is around!

We found this to be a delightful book with a lovely story which reminds children to talk nicely to each other. The story includes rhyming text and repetition which make it interesting to read and listen to and the pictures are beautiful giving a fondness to the main character. All the children who have listened to the story have sat still until the end and wanted to go back and look at the pictures. It has become a popular choice for bedtime reading alongside some of our other favourites.

Click to see the book on Amazon

South Coast's Largest Indoor Ice Rink in Bournemouth

Ice skating is back at Bournemouth International Centre this winter! The Rock Ice Rink is the South Coast’s biggest indoor seasonal ice rink and is open until Sunday 21 February 2016.

 

As a fun all-weather activity, it’s perfect for kids and adults alike. Even the youngest children can have a go using the Ice Skating penguins with their parents in the Kids area separate from the main rink.

Tickets to skate are £8.00 including the skate hire with family tickets and group (10+) concessions also available. Standard sessions are 90 minutes (including getting skates on and off) from 4pm daily during term times and 11am in the holidays with an additional late session on Saturday evenings.

Fire on Ice DJ nights are back too!
Thursday 17 December 2015, Thursday 21 January 2016 and Sunday 14 February 2016.
Hosted by Fire radio enjoy an extended skate session with a live DJ 7.15pm – 10.15pm
(Skate times will be 7.30pm-10pm) £9.00

 

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