Magpies and Metros
First time I've been at the centre that the kids didn't fight.

Carrie donated her time and materials for b/t 20-30 bracelets. We did a crossword puzzle on words associated with jewellery, had the kids read a piece about the history of jewellery (tx Hui E for simplifying it and adding images), and then Carrie talked to the kids about what she does and what to do with beads and wires.

She also had them write about their product and "pitch" them to the volunteers. One on one - group presentations way too ambitious. And she had them calculate their cost and profit.

The kids were really focused. OK mostly focused. The boys had chosen to paint T shirts but came over later anyway and made bracelets for their girlfriends and mothers. I never thought I'd see the day. Even the really rough, really ready to fight ones. Making jewellery.

Apart from one kid who said he wanted to put te F word on his T - there was no real drama. He wasn't really going to do it. In any case I'd responded by offering stencils. Nash claimed the extra T shirts and painted them for his younger brothers. (But not his sister, who was making a bracelet and ended up losing it.)

So, the session stretched on for slightly longer than normal, but it was worth it.

I'm still scratching my head on how to make the kids read for a longer period of time and enjoy it.