More Brownies Online

[smallhobbit]

Obviously we're not back at Brownies, so I decided to use the next holiday badge which Girlguiding had designed, since in the end eight had completed the Easter badge.  This time though it's for Eid.  Since this is an Islamic festival I checked with Doodles (the Unit Guider) if she was happy for me to go ahead, and she replied yes, because if the children had been at school they would have learned about Ramadan.  Girlguiding is open to girls and women of any faith, or none, and although I have more own beliefs I think it is important that the girls learn about others' beliefs.



So, as with the Easter badge, I created three challenges:
- Colour in a simple Islamic pattern (for which I provided a template)
- A word search of relevant words
- Make a paper lantern (template and instructions provided).  I made a lantern myself to check the instructions as I wrote them.
I also provided a link to the BBC Bitesize webpage with further details about Eid.



We've had two responses, both of whom seemed very happy with what they'd done.

What I don't know is whether the other parents decided it wasn't a suitable project, or whether they are overwhelmed with activities, or whether they're not really that interested. 

The second response was accompanied by a comment from the mother thanking us for the activity and hoping there'd be more, which was very satisfying.  Her daughter has also completed one of the interest badges (Mindfulness) which was encouraging.

Going forward it's hard to know what to do.  I think it's important to maintain a presence on the unit Facebook page, but how much time I want to spend on it is under consideration.

  

 

Comments

[corvidology]

I love the idea of Brownies getting exposure this way and I think you took a lovely reasonable approach.

I wouldn't worry too much about the parents either as I suspect you're right that they're just feeling overwhelmed.

[smallhobbit]

Thank you - I know I feel I'm receiving too many emails of things I can do, so that does make sense. And just post every so often so that those who do find it helpful still have things to do.

[stonepicnicking_okapi]

Cool. I made Minor write sentences about Ramadan, too, on the day it started. I think it's a good thing.

Yeah, it's good to let them know that you're still there and leaving things optional. I think most of the kids' extracurricular activities are in that holding pattern (Minor's soccer and religious education and first communion classes).

Edited to add: I'm glad you posted this because it reminds me of the instructions you sent me about the lantern. Definitely something I'm going to do with the boys.

[smallhobbit]

Thank you for the support, and for saying that it's good to continue to post regardless of take up.

Happy to have reminded you!

[adafrog]

That's great that they learn about other religions.

[smallhobbit]

I think it's important - one of the big things in guiding is that of both including everyone and allowing them to be different and that includes religion.

[st_aurafina]

It sounds like a really good challenge - I would have loved it when I was in Brownies. I know a lot of parents here are overwhelmed with homeschooling, though, so you might be right about the ones who didn't get back to you.

[smallhobbit]

Thank you - both Brownies who did the challenge seemed really happy with what they'd done. Yes - just one more thing to do - it's worth bearing in mind next time I post something.

[margaret_r]

Judging by my daughter's workload with trying to home school her brood it's entirely possible some of your parents just couldn't extend to Brownie activities. Lovely that you got such a good response from two of them though:)

[smallhobbit]

Yes, I can see that many people are doing what they can and Brownies is simply an 'add-on'. At that age it's hard to find activities that they can do entirely by themselves, which would be my ideal.

[aome]

I approve of learning about other faith traditions. It's important to know where others are coming from, so we can understand each other better.

[smallhobbit]

My sentiment entirely, which was one of the reasons why I was happy to use the badge.

[moth2fic]

I imagine most of them are overwhelmed with the plethora of activities provided by schools, helpful friends and the media. But I like your activities and they might 'keep' for next year!

[smallhobbit]

I think you're right. And yes - the activities will keep and could easily be reused next year, especially as we'll have some new Brownies then.

[rusty_armour]

Ooops! I meant to reply to this post yesterday! It's great that the Brownies are learning about Eid. I think it's important for people to know something about other cultures as it promotes tolerance and understanding. I really like the challenges you came up with for the Eid badge. I especially like the lantern.

I'm sorry that you haven't had more responses about the badges. Hopefully, it's because parents are feeling overwhelmed or because they haven't had a chance to respond yet. At least you got some positive feedback from that one mother. :-)

[smallhobbit]

No worries! I agree it is important for people to learn about other cultures because it will help prevent people being seen purely for their differences. Yes, we are all different, but we also share a lot.

I think generally it's probably parents feeling overwhelmed and simply coping with schooling without other things as well. And knowing that two of the Brownies have done the activities does make it worthwhile.

[luthienberen]

It is wonderful that you keep providing opportunities for Brownies and suspect that the amount of response as others indicate will vary to how much pressure the parents are experiencing currently.

[smallhobbit]

Thank you. We'll keep providing things for those who are looking for something and at least if posts go up parents will know we're still around.

[methylviolet10b]

Sometimes all you can do is keep the lights on, and hope that others appreciate knowing the activity/distraction/something/someone is there, even if they don't have time to respond or participate. It matters to people, often more than you can know.

[smallhobbit]

Thank you - it is helpful to hear that!

[ellieet]

That's really cool. I miss learning about the different religions in school.

My old landlord happened to be Muslim, and observed Ramadan; we always had to be mindful at that time of year because obviously he needed to be up early to eat, and he needed his sleep, so we had to move around the house quietly during those times. It was always interesting to chat about it with him. :)

[smallhobbit]

I think it's important to learn about different religions so we can respect other people.