The Burt Word Reading Test is designed to determine the reading level of a child in comparison to their age.

It is a list of 110 words organised in groups of 10 and listed on order of reading difficulty. Once the test is completed the correct answers are counted then, using the scale supplied in the instructions the child’s reading age can be estimated.

There are a number of different versions for the test. Currently the most widely used is that based on a sample of 2200 primary school children in Scotland. Generally the test is not recommended for children younger than approximately 6 years.

The test is widely used in New Zealand after being revised for New Zealand conditions. The test is conducted on an individual basis.

Used in alongside other information the test allows teachers to make an evaluation of a child’s reading ability and can help identify wider reading problems.

You can purchase the New Zealand version of the test from here: Burt Word Reading Test NZ revision

Baby stroller plates are  gifts which can be with children for many years of their life.

The plates are typically made from the same materials as car number plates but are much smaller.

The outside is often reflective acrylic and can be easily attached to a pram, buggy, crib, cot or door.

They come in a range of colours, with some models displaying a unique number on the plate, as well as the name of the recipient. Read the rest of this entry

The tallest freestanding sculpture in the world is Chief Crazy Horse in South Dakota, USA

During World War II, the very first bomb dropped on Berlin by the Allies killed the only elephant in the Berlin Zoo

Indonesia consists only of islands – 13,667 total

A Monopoly set made by Alfred Dunhill, that included gold and silver houses and hotels, sold for $25,000. This is the top price recorded to date.

There are many uses for Epsom Salts, which is the common name for magnesium sulfate heptahydrate, MgSO₄·7H₂O.

It is one of the most versatile household products, which is easy to use and easy to find in a grocery store or pharmacy. Just as importantly it costs less than a cup of coffee.

Epsom Salts is  a   bitter-tasting water-soluble compound that occurs as colorless or white needle-shaped crystals.

The substance was prepared from the waters of mineral springs at Epsom, England.  It is  also known to occur as the mineral epsomite.

Epsom salts is used medicinally as a purgative and has many other uses, some of them are:

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There are now many New Zealand social networking sites online. This entry is about a new edition which is free to join and specifically aimed at New Zealanders.

Sonet is a social networking site targeted at Kiwis. Sonet members can share diaries, take part in groups, keep in touch with friends and most importantly meet people and date.

Most sites aim for as many sign-ups as possible but this isn’t the case with Sonet as it is specifically for New Zealanders. There are many social networking sites available, but none are designed for New Zealand. Read the rest of this entry

Easter flowers are an important part of the Easter celebration. Easter is a key date in the Christian calendar.

Celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ, churches are fulled with worshipers, altars are decorated with easter flowers and music heralds the start of spring.

Easter is also a time to honor loved ones, friends and family with the gift of flowers.

There are many different Easter flowers available over this time and its sometimes difficult to choose what to buy. Here are a few tips to help:
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What is a yeast infection?
A yeast infection is is caused by an overgrowth of the fungus or yeast Candida. Yeast normally live in small numbers, but when the bacteria become out of balance, too many yeast grow and cause an infection.

Yeast infections are very common. About 75 percent of women have a yeast infection during their lives. And almost half of women have two or more yeast infections.

What are the signs of a yeast infection?
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