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For Teachers

What is Dodoland for Kids?

Each activity area is reinforcing the themes of being "creative and imaginative" which is the main focus of Journey to Dodoland and "to love and protect the earth which is the theme of "Magical Earth Secret". .

Dodoland is an interactive play and learning centre for children on the internet.

Dodoland has Six Activity Pods.
Island of Eyes to meet authors,artists, and environmentalists and ask questions of them.
Night Bubble where kids can interact with children from around the world to show art, travel,events
Giant Flower Island is an area to learn and share in environmental activities- cross curriculum.
Dragon Ship is a story, coloring, and guessing game centre including signing for the hearing impaired.
Dodoland Castle is an area with rooms to share interior design & "inner" design, wishes,solutions,nature's beauty and good deeds.
Singing Tree is place to learn about Dodoland, the creators, history and also hear songs and share music..

Rationale for the site

Dodo Land for Kids is to show, the power of art and writing, (can be extended to music, movement or drama) in developing children's self esteem, creativity and ability to confront environmental problems. When we have new knowlege about the environment- pollution problems and solutions - new choices are made. When we look at nature and recognize the beauty and the cycles, we want to take care of it. When artistic activities in art, writing, drama and music are done, it can convey a message that can influence people to make changes to their own individual development and to help the earth be healthy. Both may be accomplished together.

Objectives

  • 1. To help develop a creative and diverse approach in expressing feelings.
  • 2. To gain self esteem and confidence.
  • 3. To realize personal importance in helping the environment.
  • 4. To gain knowlege about environmental issues and the world.
  • 5. And to achieve satisfaction in sharing in interactivity and participation.

Strategies

  • 1) It is people based-every person has a unique response. This helps develop self confidence. Children who feel confident are more likely to work cooperatively with others. Reaching out to children in other places helps build confidence.
  • 2) It is perceptual, emphasizing the children's ability to be sensitive and respond with feelings about the environment. Increased perceptual awareness brings about a greater understanding and a desire to care for the environment.
  • 3) It is interdisciplinary. We have designed the site to have various curriculum area crossovers. Art often leads to writing, and then to music and/or drama. Many environment work starts with scientific knowledge or research. As curriculm areas overlap, and in the process of coordinated expression, understanding is enhanced.


    Dodoland for Kids was conceptualized and designed by Della Burford and Dale Bertrand. It is based around three books, "Journey to Dodo Land", published 1977, "Magical Earth Secrets", published 1990 and "The Environmental Activity Guide", published in 1992, all written and illustrated/photographed by Della and Dale.

    The first issue was launched with the help of many people at the Swiftsure project which was a Canadian and British Columbian funded project. Dave Godfrey and Ivan Sinclair's knowledge was invaluable in the development. Marilyn Bowering and Glen Burford's support was and continues to be greatly appreciated Each new page requires designing, writing, researching, photographing, scanning, and computer work.

    Josh Ardnt gave a lot of first stage input in the ideas for the new web-site and acted as initial Web-site organizer and Site Map Developer. Thanks again.

    The Creators of Dodoland for Kids

    Della Burford is a certified teacher and author and illustrator of 5 books. Journey to Dodo Land was performed for over seven years to 100,000 children in many places including New York, Gautemala, California and Italy. Della tours to 30 schools a year leading creative writing and art workshops. Some of the work is posted and shared on the website.

    Dale Bertrand is an author, illustrator, photographer, teacher and computer web author. He has photographed in Wales, Japan, India, Hawaii, Gautemala, Peru and Thailand. He keeps busy trying to keep abreast with various new internet languages with the aim of incorporating many of the newest products so we may be able to produce a truly multimedia, interactive, creative site for children.

    Chris Martin has been doing the coding and designing of the new Dodoland web-site. His creativity is greatly appreciated. His coding skills were essential in the development. Thanks so much.

Return to the Singing Tree main page.

"Journey to Dodoland" Copyright and TM 1977. Della Burford Dodoland in Cyberspace 1995-2007 Della Burford and Dale Bertrand.