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Kids' Blog

Sometimes we write useful tips and info for homework on the Kids Blog. Here are the latest posts:

If you're seeing this message for an extended period, javascript is not enabled in your browser. Head over to the libraries' Kids Blog to view our latest tips and info for homework.

AnyQuestions? ManyAnswers! Online homework help - from real librarians

AnyQuestions online homework helpAnyQuestions offers free online schoolwork help to New Zealand school students. You can log on to the website from 1pm to 6pm weekdays during the school year and chat online with a friendly librarian about a schoolwork question.

AnyQuestions librarians are specially trained to help you find the answers you need, without giving you the answers of course! They will guide you to quality information sources and help you gain the skills to do future searches yourself.

AnyQuestions will work with any internet enabled device, such as a computer, tablet or a smartphone. AnyQuestions does look a bit different on different devices but you are still talking to a librarian, somewhere in New Zealand.

The site is backed by the Ministry of Education and is staffed by librarians from Wellington City Libraries and other libraries around New Zealand.

For more information visit AnyQuestions.

Online Databases

Your library card gives you access to online databases that cover a huge variety of subjects. You can see all the databases at MyGateway, or check out the ones below.

Encyclopaedia Britannica

Britannica Junior edition contains thousands of short articles on subjects for school and for fun. From countries, to animals and sports; it also includes pictures, videos, and links to other websites. You will need your library card number to search.

Start searching Britannica

PressReader

This gives same day, unlimited access to thousands of newspaper and magazine titles from NZ and around the world, with the same layout on the screen as they have in print. Publications are available from more than 100 countries in over 60 languages, with titles going back 90 days. You can access PressReader through your browser or with the PressReader app, available in the Apple and Google Play app stores. It is very up to date and is great if you need information on current events or media studies or need primary resources.

Start searching PressReader

Language Nut

LanguageNut is a fun way to learn different languages for kids and adults. There are songs, stories and games for each language so you'll be adding to your vocabulary without really realising it! The non-English languages you can learn include te reo Māori, Indonesian, Mandarin (Pinyin and Hanzi), Italian, Arabic script and many others. There is also an option to learn English if you speak another language.

Start searching Language Nut To get started, click the link and enter your library card number into the box on the site labelled "barcode".

Helpful Tips

Prepare

Prepare before you come into the library or start searching online. If you are visiting the library to do research make sure you bring your homework or assignment sheet, pen and paper to write notes and ideas, your library card and some money to pay for internet, printing or photocopying.

Leave lots of time

If you wait until the day before the project is due, all the information may be out or you will feel panicked and do a poor job. Reference books will always be available for use in the library only and you can search online when the library is closed.

Brainstorm

Write everything you can think of about your topic: This example is about Ancient Egypt: children, making food, pyramids, markets, rich families, growing up, drinks, shops, roles, grandparents, Nile, education, funeral, festivals, types of food, gods, mummies, tombs, making mummies, music etc.

Make a concept map

Sort your ideas into groups. Using our Ancient Egypt example:

  • Families: children, grandparents, rich families, growing up, roles
  • Food and Drink: growing food, types of food, farming, making food, shops, markets, drinks cost of food
  • Pyramids: mummies, funeral, tombs

Choose some of these keywords to write your questions to help you find information.

Write a question

An easy way to write a question is to join a keyword from your concept map with how? what? where? why? or when?

  • How are pyramids built?
  • Who built the pyramids?
  • What is stored in the pyramids?
  • How are mummies prepared?
  • Why did the Egyptian people build pyramids?
  • How do we know about life in Ancient Egypt?

Choose keywords to find information

Keywords are your searching / finding words. You can use them to search on:

  • internet
  • library catalogues
  • online databases
  • contents, index, and chapter headings in books

Never leave without asking for help!

If you haven't found what you're looking for, ask for help! Library staff are here to help you find all the resources - including on-line information! If you are searching online for information you can ask a librarian at AnyQuestions between 1-6pm Monday-Friday.

Great homework websites

Here are some of our top picks for useful websites for school work:

Search Engines:

Search engines/directories for younger students:

General & study sites:

Animals:

Arts:

Biography:

Careers and Study:

Current Events:

Economics:

English:

Food:

Geography:

Health:

History:

Languages:

Maori:

Maths:

New Zealand:

Pasifika:

Popular Culture:

Science:

Society & Culture:

Sport:

Technology: