1112 days ago

Face to Face Communication versus Tecnology

Alison Shrigley Reporter from Whangārei Leader

FROM A TEACHER: Yesterday, I shut down class about 5 minutes early and told my students I wanted them to just sit and talk to one another. Several of them immediately opened their laptops and began navigating to their favorite computer game.
I said, "No, no laptops. I want you to have face-to-face conversations right now."
After a collective groan went up, I observed something both wonderful and alarming. For the next few minutes, a couple of tables came alive with conversation. They looked at each other in the eyes and talked with great enthusiasm and interest. It was beautiful to watch and listen to.

However, many students were deflated. They did not know what to do without some sort of entertainment from a device. A couple of them put their heads down and avoided eye contact with anyone. I went around the room to those students and tried to engage with them. Some of them mustered a few words, but most didn't know what to do.

I share this story as a wakeup call for parents, grandparents, and guardians. It's tragic to me that a large percentage of today's youth do not know how to have real conversation, but it's not their fault. It is our responsibility as adults to lead by example and hold our kids accountable. Unplug every day, talk, and listen to your children. Getting lost in a device does not help them cope with and overcome the things they're going through mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. All it causes is isolation and depression. They need relationships; they need you.

I plan on doing it again today. #PleaseShare
This was written and supplied by Margaret Johnson in Kaikohe

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More messages from your neighbours
5 days ago

Poll: Does the building consent process need to change?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

We definitely need homes that are fit to live in but there are often frustrations when it comes to getting consent to modify your own home.
Do you think changes need made to the current process for building consent? Share your thoughts below.

Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.

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Does the building consent process need to change?
  • 91.4% Yes
    91.4% Complete
  • 8.1% No
    8.1% Complete
  • 0.5% Other - I'll share below!
    0.5% Complete
1415 votes
14 hours ago

Whangarei Film Society - screenings for Thursday May 9th

Geoff from Central Whangarei

Good People

Please note: There are NO screenings by WFS at Forum North on Thursday 2nd May due to the venue being unavailable.

But on Thursday, 9th May at 6pm, WFS will be screening a behind-the-scenes doco on the greatest racing driver of his time, Sir Jackie Stewart.

Our 8pm screening will be the film version of the best-selling book, Are you there God? It's me, Margaret.

JACKIE STEWART
UK, 2023, Documentary, 95 mins

This documentary shines a light on Formula 1 World Champion, team owner and legend of the sport, Sir Jackie Stewart.

Using previously unseen footage, Sir Jackie’s life is detailed from his early years in Scotland, to the rush of his first F1 World Championship title in 1969.

Stewart's fame and success was followed by tumultuous times when, despite opposition from those who wanted F1 to be ‘gladiatorial’, Stewart set out to improve racing safety for drivers and pit crews.

"Whether you're a new fan or a lifelong F1 fanatic, this stunning documentary is worth your time." - Race Fans Magazine

View the trailer at: www.youtube.com...

Tickets: Door sales only. Price: $10 for WFS members, $15 for non members.

Cash only please - no Eftpos/credit card services available.

Visit whangareifilmsociety.org and sign up for our free weekly email for information on the rest of our films and screening dates for 2024.

2 days ago

Lest we forget...

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

On this ANZAC Day, let's take a moment to remember and honor the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve our country.

Tell us who are you honouring today. Whether it's a story from the battlefield or a memory of a family member who fought in the war, we'd love you to share your stories below.

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