Inspire Insider
Bringing families together, one newsletter at a time!
Monday, January 7th, 2019

Quote of the Week

School News and Important Dates
Orange County Vendor Fair
We can't tell you how excited we are about our upcoming Vendor Fair! We are bringing you a great mix of vendors from across Orange County! There will be giveaways, hands-on activities, presentations, a food truck, and best of all, our enrichment team will be onsite to allow you to shop for products and take them home on the day! This is a day not to be missed!
Where: Living Spring Church, 9851 Bixby Ave, Garden Grove, CA 92841
When: Friday, January 18th, 2019
Time: 10:00am to 2:00pm

Learning Period 5

High School Academic Decathlon Club

Field Trips
Park Days
Thursday, January 31: Sweet Shade Community Park, Irvine. Time: 1:30pm to 3:30pm.

Educational Tools
Botley: The Coding Robot
Botley is ready to use right out of the box, so he will have kids coding in minutes (plan ahead: bottle requires 5 AAA batteries, not included). Botley is also 100% screen free; no phone or tablet required. Explore Botley's advanced features and code him for up to 80 steps, with 40 more you can discover. He can also follow looping commands or be programmed to go around objects with If/Then logic. Turn on the black-line follow mode and set up a path for Botley to travel. Botley even has hidden features to unlock! Botley includes coding cards, detachable arms, interactive obstacles, and Code games that are ready for endless hours of fun and learning. Learning coding with Botley helps kids foster creativity and develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills!
Price? $54.99 on Amazon (link here)
Can I use student funds? Yes! This is a non-consumable item and will be returned when the student leaves Inspire.
What about older children? Check out Dash here for children who are ready to code using a device like an iPad and free apps.
Local Events
GameSchoolCon
Inspire is so excited to be attending 2019's GameSchoolCon in Irvine! Board games, role playing games, active games, and video games are all fantastic ways to learn! GameSchoolCon is a full weekend of family fun and where you get to learn what GameSchooling is all about. You can borrow games from GameSchoolCon's extensive Board Game Library and a dedicated Gamerunner will join you at your table and teach you and your friends to play! Meet game designers at the demo tables, browse the vendor hall, step into a VR universe, support local artists at the Homegrown Artists Alley, or roll for initiative in the Role Playing Game Room... There's plenty to do for little kids, teens, and parents, too!
Our Enrichment Team will also be attending, so families can make purchases at the event!
When: February 1 to February 3, 2019
Where: Wyndham Irvine - OC Airport Hotel, 17941 Von Karman Avenue, Irvine, CA 92614
Tickets: Prices vary. You can purchase tickets here.
Star Light, Star Bright Night Hike
Come see Carbon Canyon Regional Park in a completely different setting - in the dark! On Saturday, January 19, park rangers will lead starlit hikes showcasing the natural wonders that can only be seen at night. The night hikes will feature many fun activities, including:
5:30 p.m. - Hot cocoa and cookies.
6 p.m. - Nature of Wildworks live animal presentation.
6:45 p.m. - A hike through the wilderness area to the Redwood Grove.
These are outdoor events. Please dress warmly, wear good walking shoes and bring a flashlight.
Space is limited, please email carboncanyon@ocparks.com to register.
Parent and Me Time at Shipley Nature Center
Celebrate the seasons with your family at shipley nature center. Discover nature’s changes as you walk through the habitats. A child’s trail guide is available for your use.
winter rains sprout colorful mushrooms in secret places along the trails. The interesting shapes may inspire you to make a mushroom print at home. Buy a mushroom at the supermarket or find one in your backyard. Instructions to make a print are available to take home.
When: Every Wednesday at 11am
Where: Shipley Nature Center, 17851 Goldenwest St, Huntington Beach, CA 92647
Cost: Children: Free, Adults: $3
Kids Acting Class
Is your student an actor or possibly just looking for ways to build self confidence? Then this amazing acting class may be perfect for them!!
The Kids Acting Class' Winter Session-Venice, CA, is starting back up next week!
During our, just completed, Fall session young actors from far and wide worked with guest teacher Lexi Ainsworth (2017 Emmy Award-winning actress and former homeschooler) and guest teacher Amy Lord (actress, playwright, theatrical agent) to broaden their theatrical skills!!
Moments from our Winter Session:
1. Scene study with guest teacher Lexi Ainsworth (2017 Emmy Award-winning actress and former homeschooler)
2. Opening circle with guest teacher Amy Lord.
3. Guest teacher Amy Lord starts the class with literature and dramatic engagement to get the imaginations flowing for the younger students.
Click here for more information and to sign-up.
We hope to see you there!
Homeschooling Advice
Homeschooling After the Holidays – 8 Tips To Get Back Into a Homeschooling Routine
Read the rest of the article here.
Community and Connection
Facebook Page
Instagram Page
Orange County Parent Resource Site
Ladan Rashidi - OC Family Liaison
Shaemanique King - OC Family Liaison
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