Cinderella
25th November
We have been learning about fairy tales this term. We have recently looked at Cinderella. We decided that it would be fun to make our own Cinderella masks and have a go at doing a little bit of drama.
We have been learning about fairy tales this term. We have recently looked at Cinderella. We decided that it would be fun to make our own Cinderella masks and have a go at doing a little bit of drama.
ABCD Time
24th November
During ABCD time this term in room 8 we have been looking at designing, making and constructing different things. Last week we looked at making huts. The children were able to design their own hut and make it anywhere that they liked in the classroom. They used sheets to create their huts along with anything else they could find in the room. The children loved making huts, it was awesome to see them problem solving and working together.
During ABCD time this term in room 8 we have been looking at designing, making and constructing different things. Last week we looked at making huts. The children were able to design their own hut and make it anywhere that they liked in the classroom. They used sheets to create their huts along with anything else they could find in the room. The children loved making huts, it was awesome to see them problem solving and working together.
In room 8 we love rugby!
Construction
2nd November
This term during ABCD time in room 8 we are learning about construction. The children have the opportunity to build, make and create anything that they like. We are focusing on constructing houses, towers, castles etc. There are a range of different materials for the children to choose from and they are having an awesome time! It's great to see all the enthusiasm.
This term during ABCD time in room 8 we are learning about construction. The children have the opportunity to build, make and create anything that they like. We are focusing on constructing houses, towers, castles etc. There are a range of different materials for the children to choose from and they are having an awesome time! It's great to see all the enthusiasm.
Stories by Julia Donaldson
23rd September
The Raupo team have been studying Julia Donaldson and the fantastic stories that she has written. We were lucky enough to share this experience with the Raupo team as they volunteered to read their favourite Julia Donaldson book to our class. We had three children come and read to us charli, Ryan and Joseph. It was wonderful to listen to the stories and the Raupo Team children read so well!
The Raupo team have been studying Julia Donaldson and the fantastic stories that she has written. We were lucky enough to share this experience with the Raupo team as they volunteered to read their favourite Julia Donaldson book to our class. We had three children come and read to us charli, Ryan and Joseph. It was wonderful to listen to the stories and the Raupo Team children read so well!
Lambs at School
18th September
As a surprise to room 8 I convinced my dad to bring in the two pet lambs Izzy and CJ who live at my Nanny and Grandads house. The children sat in a circle around the lambs and they all got the chance to feed and pat them. Ants (my dad) asked the children questions about what they know about lambs. He also answered the questions the children had about looking after lambs. One of the lambs tails had nearly fallen off so the children thought that was very exciting. This was a wonderful experience for them all to get really close to lambs and ask lots of questions.
As a surprise to room 8 I convinced my dad to bring in the two pet lambs Izzy and CJ who live at my Nanny and Grandads house. The children sat in a circle around the lambs and they all got the chance to feed and pat them. Ants (my dad) asked the children questions about what they know about lambs. He also answered the questions the children had about looking after lambs. One of the lambs tails had nearly fallen off so the children thought that was very exciting. This was a wonderful experience for them all to get really close to lambs and ask lots of questions.
ABCD Time
14th September
This term during ABCD time I have been in the hall doing physical activities with the children. This has been a lot of fun, each week we play jump jam songs and practice our dance routines. I set up an obstacle course which allows the children to challenge themselves through running, jumping, balancing, climbing and crawling etc. The children also enjoy constructing things so I try and have some sort of construction station set up for them. This week we also gave sock wrestling a go and it was a hit. The children loved it!
This term during ABCD time I have been in the hall doing physical activities with the children. This has been a lot of fun, each week we play jump jam songs and practice our dance routines. I set up an obstacle course which allows the children to challenge themselves through running, jumping, balancing, climbing and crawling etc. The children also enjoy constructing things so I try and have some sort of construction station set up for them. This week we also gave sock wrestling a go and it was a hit. The children loved it!
Our Learning Celebration - Our bodies inside out
10th September 2015
This week the children had the chance to share their learning and achievements with their families and their peers. We all got together on Monday afternoon and set up a station for each of the topics that the children choose to learn about. The tables were filled with activities, things they had worked with and creations that they had made. We were overwhelmed by the amount of support we got that afternoon - we had a lot of lovely parents, grandparents and whanau that came to join us to celebrate the children's learning. The children really enjoyed being able to show off their own work and explain their learning. We sung some songs together and all in all it was a fabulous afternoon!
This week the children had the chance to share their learning and achievements with their families and their peers. We all got together on Monday afternoon and set up a station for each of the topics that the children choose to learn about. The tables were filled with activities, things they had worked with and creations that they had made. We were overwhelmed by the amount of support we got that afternoon - we had a lot of lovely parents, grandparents and whanau that came to join us to celebrate the children's learning. The children really enjoyed being able to show off their own work and explain their learning. We sung some songs together and all in all it was a fabulous afternoon!
Cricket
7th September 2015
Last Thursday Sports Canterbury came into our school and taught us a little bit about cricket! It was a lot of fun. They took each of the junior classes for a half hour session. They looked at bowling, batting and they had a big run around by playing some fun games. This was a wonderful opportunity for the children to give cricket a go and they all really enjoyed it!
Last Thursday Sports Canterbury came into our school and taught us a little bit about cricket! It was a lot of fun. They took each of the junior classes for a half hour session. They looked at bowling, batting and they had a big run around by playing some fun games. This was a wonderful opportunity for the children to give cricket a go and they all really enjoyed it!
Cultural Festival
28th August
On Friday we were lucky enough to go and have a look at the hard work the middle team and the senior team had been doing this term. They are off to cultural festival next week to perform and we were able to view that performance. They did a fantastic job the girls performances were full of grace and elegance and the boys performance was full of fight and fire in their bellies! We also got to see the wearable arts costumes which were outstanding. The children really enjoyed seeing all of this and it is great to share learning amongst the school.
We wish them all the best for cultural festival.
On Friday we were lucky enough to go and have a look at the hard work the middle team and the senior team had been doing this term. They are off to cultural festival next week to perform and we were able to view that performance. They did a fantastic job the girls performances were full of grace and elegance and the boys performance was full of fight and fire in their bellies! We also got to see the wearable arts costumes which were outstanding. The children really enjoyed seeing all of this and it is great to share learning amongst the school.
We wish them all the best for cultural festival.
Fizz Inflater
27th August
Yesterday at writing time we completed a science experiment. We made a Fizz Inflater. The equipment we needed was a plastic empty bottle, a balloon, vinegar, baking soda and a funnel. First we had to put half a cup of vinegar into the plastic bottle. Then we had to stretch out the balloon to make sure it was loose. After that we used the funnel to fill just over half of the balloon with baking soda. We then had to pinch the balloon and place it over the top of the bottle without letting any of the baking soda fall into the bottle. Once we were ready we had to let go of the balloon and that's when the magic happened. The baking soda fell into the vinegar and they reacted creating carbon dioxide. This made the balloon blow up into a big ball. Some of us were a little worried that it may even pop as the balloon was so tight! Then all of the children got a chance to feel the balloon and see inside the bottle...it was filled with a lot of bubbles.
This would be a great experiment to try at home. Very quick and easy! If you are wanting to find any more experiments then 'Science Bob' is a wonderful website! This is where I found this experiment to do with the children.
After we had completed the experiment we then wrote about what had happened. We are writing recounts and we are learning to start our sentences in order of what happening. We are also learning to use a range of words when starting our sentences for example first, then, next, I etc. Then we end our writing with a personal statement.
Yesterday at writing time we completed a science experiment. We made a Fizz Inflater. The equipment we needed was a plastic empty bottle, a balloon, vinegar, baking soda and a funnel. First we had to put half a cup of vinegar into the plastic bottle. Then we had to stretch out the balloon to make sure it was loose. After that we used the funnel to fill just over half of the balloon with baking soda. We then had to pinch the balloon and place it over the top of the bottle without letting any of the baking soda fall into the bottle. Once we were ready we had to let go of the balloon and that's when the magic happened. The baking soda fell into the vinegar and they reacted creating carbon dioxide. This made the balloon blow up into a big ball. Some of us were a little worried that it may even pop as the balloon was so tight! Then all of the children got a chance to feel the balloon and see inside the bottle...it was filled with a lot of bubbles.
This would be a great experiment to try at home. Very quick and easy! If you are wanting to find any more experiments then 'Science Bob' is a wonderful website! This is where I found this experiment to do with the children.
After we had completed the experiment we then wrote about what had happened. We are writing recounts and we are learning to start our sentences in order of what happening. We are also learning to use a range of words when starting our sentences for example first, then, next, I etc. Then we end our writing with a personal statement.
Science Experiments
19th August
Today we did a really exciting experiment during writing time. The children had to put a kebab stick through a balloon without it poping. Everyone thought this was magic! First they had to dip the kebab stick into oil then they had to find the darkest part of the balloon by the tie and that is where they stuck the kebab stick in. Then they had to push the kebab stick out the other end of the balloon at the darkest part. the oil was the key to the experiment, it created a seal around the hole. All of the groups were able to complete this experiment without the balloon popping. What a success! This led to some awesome recount writing.
Today we did a really exciting experiment during writing time. The children had to put a kebab stick through a balloon without it poping. Everyone thought this was magic! First they had to dip the kebab stick into oil then they had to find the darkest part of the balloon by the tie and that is where they stuck the kebab stick in. Then they had to push the kebab stick out the other end of the balloon at the darkest part. the oil was the key to the experiment, it created a seal around the hole. All of the groups were able to complete this experiment without the balloon popping. What a success! This led to some awesome recount writing.
Hundreds Day
Hundreds day was a great success. Everyone dressed up as a Dr Seuss character and they all looked fantastic! Throughout the day the children went to the classes throughout the junior school where they completed a Dr Seuss or a hundreds day activity. Then in the afternoon we watched 'The Lorax' which was linked to our sustainability unit.
This was an awesome way to end the term.
This was an awesome way to end the term.
Coconut
25th June 2015
Over the last couple of days we have been using a coconut as a writing prompt. Yesterday we all got a chance to feel the coconut. We thought about what it looked liked, felt like and sounded like. We used adjectives to describe the coconut. This was the first time we had used the word adjective so it was new learning for our class. We found out that an adjective is a describing word. There was some awesome writing on the first day and the children used wonderful adjectives.
I touched the coconut it was heavy. - Charlie
Today we touched a coconut. The coconut felt very hard and prickly. It looked like a bowling ball. It sounds like there was milk inside the coconut. - Alyssa
I like the coconut it was hard. - Lukas
Today Miss Calder got us a coconut. We passed it around. It was fun. - Caitlin
Over the last couple of days we have been using a coconut as a writing prompt. Yesterday we all got a chance to feel the coconut. We thought about what it looked liked, felt like and sounded like. We used adjectives to describe the coconut. This was the first time we had used the word adjective so it was new learning for our class. We found out that an adjective is a describing word. There was some awesome writing on the first day and the children used wonderful adjectives.
I touched the coconut it was heavy. - Charlie
Today we touched a coconut. The coconut felt very hard and prickly. It looked like a bowling ball. It sounds like there was milk inside the coconut. - Alyssa
I like the coconut it was hard. - Lukas
Today Miss Calder got us a coconut. We passed it around. It was fun. - Caitlin
Then today we opened the coconut. I used a screwdriver and a hammer. First we made a hole in the coconut with the screwdriver and then we emptied out the coconut water. Many of the children were surprised that it was clear as they assumed that it was coconut milk. Molly described it as cloudy and dirty. Then I used a hammer to open the coconut. Room 7 heard all the banging from next door and came through to watch. Whaea Tam helped me to open the coconut! Once it cracked open I was able to scrape out the coconut meat and all of the children had a taste. It was awesome that all of the children were willing to taste the coconut. About half of the children came back for a second taste and really enjoyed it and for the other half the coconut went straight from their mouth to the bin.
This was a really fun experience and it got the children talking about it all day!
This was a really fun experience and it got the children talking about it all day!
Today we got to eat coconut but I only like them on lamingtons. - Ellie
I tasted the coconut it tasted like coconut water and it broke into pieces. - Seth
It was wet inside the coconut. - Navead
I tasted the coconut it tasted like coconut water and it broke into pieces. - Seth
It was wet inside the coconut. - Navead
Matariki
24 June 2015
Today we learnt about Matariki, the Maori New Year. Matariki is the name for a group of seven star cluster. The seven stars are sometimes referred to as the seven sisters. Matariki appears in the sky in June sometime around the shortest day. It is thought that it will determine how successful the harvest crop will be in the coming season.
We coloured in our own seven stars today and stuck them onto a band to create our own headhead.
Today we learnt about Matariki, the Maori New Year. Matariki is the name for a group of seven star cluster. The seven stars are sometimes referred to as the seven sisters. Matariki appears in the sky in June sometime around the shortest day. It is thought that it will determine how successful the harvest crop will be in the coming season.
We coloured in our own seven stars today and stuck them onto a band to create our own headhead.
The Skittle Experiment
17th June 2015
Today we did an experiment at writing time. We got out all of our equipment and had a good look at the things that we were working with. I then explained to the children what we would be doing. They would get four different coloured skittles and place them in a square in the middle of the bowl. I would then come and pour water over the skittles. The children then made a prediction about what they thought may happen when the water was placed over the skittles. Most of the children thought that it would make a rainbow with all of the colours from the skittles mixing together. The children then went to their desks completed the experiment and together they discussed what was happening in the experiment. There was some fantastic conversations happening. The colour did come off the skittles like the children had predicted but they the colours did not mix they stayed separate. This surprised many of the children and it led to an interesting writing lesson.
Today we did an experiment at writing time. We got out all of our equipment and had a good look at the things that we were working with. I then explained to the children what we would be doing. They would get four different coloured skittles and place them in a square in the middle of the bowl. I would then come and pour water over the skittles. The children then made a prediction about what they thought may happen when the water was placed over the skittles. Most of the children thought that it would make a rainbow with all of the colours from the skittles mixing together. The children then went to their desks completed the experiment and together they discussed what was happening in the experiment. There was some fantastic conversations happening. The colour did come off the skittles like the children had predicted but they the colours did not mix they stayed separate. This surprised many of the children and it led to an interesting writing lesson.
Meeting a beekeeper
15 June 2015
On Friday Charlie Turners dad Andrew came to visit our team. He is a beekeeper and he came to give us information about bees and what it is like being a bekeeper. We were very lucky to have him come and speak to us as the children have been learning about bees with Ms Ifield as part of our sustainability unit. Andrew bought in a hive - without the bees of coarse! The children loved seeing this and they were even able to touch it. The children got to taste some of Andrews own honey, that was a real treat! Our children came up with some wonderful questions to ask Andrew and this was a great way to make their learning more realistic.
On Friday Charlie Turners dad Andrew came to visit our team. He is a beekeeper and he came to give us information about bees and what it is like being a bekeeper. We were very lucky to have him come and speak to us as the children have been learning about bees with Ms Ifield as part of our sustainability unit. Andrew bought in a hive - without the bees of coarse! The children loved seeing this and they were even able to touch it. The children got to taste some of Andrews own honey, that was a real treat! Our children came up with some wonderful questions to ask Andrew and this was a great way to make their learning more realistic.
Visiting the Raupo Team
15 June 2015
On Friday our class got the chance to visit the Raupo team. They are the year 3 and 4 children in our school. The children were showcasing their collaborative ANZAC learning. We got the chance to look at the different aspects of ANZAC that the children had learnt about. The children in the Raupo team talked to us about what they had found out. We learnt about the animals in the war, the tanks, the medals and so much more! We even got the chance to watch them do a play. This was a wonderful opportunity for the children to learn from other children and to see what other teams within the school are learning.
On Friday our class got the chance to visit the Raupo team. They are the year 3 and 4 children in our school. The children were showcasing their collaborative ANZAC learning. We got the chance to look at the different aspects of ANZAC that the children had learnt about. The children in the Raupo team talked to us about what they had found out. We learnt about the animals in the war, the tanks, the medals and so much more! We even got the chance to watch them do a play. This was a wonderful opportunity for the children to learn from other children and to see what other teams within the school are learning.
ABCD
5th June 2015
The junior school participates in ABCD time every Friday morning. This is where the children get to choose from a range of activities that interest them, challenge them and where they can learn new skills and or information. The children can choose which activities they want to be involved in and they have the freedom to stay at the activity for as long or as little as they like. All of the activities that the teachers provide for the children are changed termly. The activities are related back to our curriculum key competencies of thinking, using language symbols and text, managing self, relating to other and participating and contributing.
This term I have been taking physical education along with Miss Kane. We take this either outside or in the hall. We provide the children with challenges and activities that will motivate and extend them. We want the children to take risks, try something new and to persevere in the activities that are difficult or when they are learning a new skill.
Here are some photos from our ABCD time in the hall over the past few weeks.
The junior school participates in ABCD time every Friday morning. This is where the children get to choose from a range of activities that interest them, challenge them and where they can learn new skills and or information. The children can choose which activities they want to be involved in and they have the freedom to stay at the activity for as long or as little as they like. All of the activities that the teachers provide for the children are changed termly. The activities are related back to our curriculum key competencies of thinking, using language symbols and text, managing self, relating to other and participating and contributing.
This term I have been taking physical education along with Miss Kane. We take this either outside or in the hall. We provide the children with challenges and activities that will motivate and extend them. We want the children to take risks, try something new and to persevere in the activities that are difficult or when they are learning a new skill.
Here are some photos from our ABCD time in the hall over the past few weeks.
Science Experiments
4th June 2015
Today we did a science experiment it was called 'Swirling Colours'. We first had to put milk into a bowl then add 2 different coloured food colouring. The children made a prediction of what would happen when the food colouring went into the milk. Prediction was a new word for us and we learnt that it is like making a guess about what we think could happen. We then examined the colours in the milk, they didn't seem to mix. I then I asked the children to predict what would happen if we put in a drop of dish washing liquid. Many of the predictions were that the bowl might explode! Once a drop of dish washing liquid was added to the bowl the colours all mixed together making a swirling rainbow. This was magical and the children were intrigued. There was a lot of wonderful conversation and questioning happening.
We then wrote about this experience for story writing. The children wrote about what they predicted would happen and what actually did happen.
Today we did a science experiment it was called 'Swirling Colours'. We first had to put milk into a bowl then add 2 different coloured food colouring. The children made a prediction of what would happen when the food colouring went into the milk. Prediction was a new word for us and we learnt that it is like making a guess about what we think could happen. We then examined the colours in the milk, they didn't seem to mix. I then I asked the children to predict what would happen if we put in a drop of dish washing liquid. Many of the predictions were that the bowl might explode! Once a drop of dish washing liquid was added to the bowl the colours all mixed together making a swirling rainbow. This was magical and the children were intrigued. There was a lot of wonderful conversation and questioning happening.
We then wrote about this experience for story writing. The children wrote about what they predicted would happen and what actually did happen.
Pink Shirt Day
22nd March 2015
Today was pink shirt day. This was to show awareness towards bullying and to stand up against bullies! It was great to see all of the support today and to see the effort that everyone put in! There was a wonderful sea of pink throughout the school and even the boys looked fabulous. Our awesome class won the prize for being the best dressed classroom and even I managed to dress up as a giant marshmallow!
Today was pink shirt day. This was to show awareness towards bullying and to stand up against bullies! It was great to see all of the support today and to see the effort that everyone put in! There was a wonderful sea of pink throughout the school and even the boys looked fabulous. Our awesome class won the prize for being the best dressed classroom and even I managed to dress up as a giant marshmallow!
Working Togther!
11th May 2015
Last week the children did some wonderful math work with Mrs P. They were working collaboratively in groups to help each other work out some tricky problem solving questions. In these photos they are drawing pictures to help them work out the maths problem.
Last week the children did some wonderful math work with Mrs P. They were working collaboratively in groups to help each other work out some tricky problem solving questions. In these photos they are drawing pictures to help them work out the maths problem.
ANZAC COMMEMORATION
5th May 2015
Today at school we had an ANZAC commemoration. We were lucky enough to have a range of soldiers speak to us. We listened to Noel who was a World War Two veteran and he was 93 years old. His memories and stories were both brave and sad and the thought of leaving for the war at the age of 18 is unimaginable. Then we listened to Patrick Duggan speak, he is the director of the RSA. He talked about what he does within the RSA and he spoke about his own time when he served as a soldier in the Vietnam war. Then three current serving soldiers/peace keepers in uniform talked to us. They talked about what they do in the army currently and where they have served previously. They also spoked to us about ANZAC day and asked us some questions....lucky we knew the answers after learning all about the ANZAC's previously.
After the service we went into the garden to plant some poppies. We planted a total of 1000 seeds! We all couldn't believe how small the seeds were. Elliot and Alyssa were lucky enough to get chosen to spread the seeds, they had to becareful not to let the seeds blow away in the wind as they were so tiny.
The children were in awe of the soldiers in uniform. They were heros in their eyes and they couldn't wait to get up close and personal. The children were lucky enough that the soldiers stayed and played with them at morning tea.
This was a wonderful experience for children to listen to a variety of soldiers who hold different memories about serving in the New Zealand Army. This gave the children some perspective and made war more realistic by being able to talk with real people who had been through it.
Today at school we had an ANZAC commemoration. We were lucky enough to have a range of soldiers speak to us. We listened to Noel who was a World War Two veteran and he was 93 years old. His memories and stories were both brave and sad and the thought of leaving for the war at the age of 18 is unimaginable. Then we listened to Patrick Duggan speak, he is the director of the RSA. He talked about what he does within the RSA and he spoke about his own time when he served as a soldier in the Vietnam war. Then three current serving soldiers/peace keepers in uniform talked to us. They talked about what they do in the army currently and where they have served previously. They also spoked to us about ANZAC day and asked us some questions....lucky we knew the answers after learning all about the ANZAC's previously.
After the service we went into the garden to plant some poppies. We planted a total of 1000 seeds! We all couldn't believe how small the seeds were. Elliot and Alyssa were lucky enough to get chosen to spread the seeds, they had to becareful not to let the seeds blow away in the wind as they were so tiny.
The children were in awe of the soldiers in uniform. They were heros in their eyes and they couldn't wait to get up close and personal. The children were lucky enough that the soldiers stayed and played with them at morning tea.
This was a wonderful experience for children to listen to a variety of soldiers who hold different memories about serving in the New Zealand Army. This gave the children some perspective and made war more realistic by being able to talk with real people who had been through it.
Cross Country
4th May 2015
What a fantastic day we had today! The weather was beautiful, the support was wonderful and the children were well behaved and they all enjoyed themselves. I was so proud of them all today, I finally understand why some parents get emotional at these events. It was such a lovely feeling watching them cross the finish line with smiles on their faces and competitiveness in their eyes. The children all tried their best today and they were happy with themselves this is all we can ask for and I was one happy teacher!!!
What a fantastic day we had today! The weather was beautiful, the support was wonderful and the children were well behaved and they all enjoyed themselves. I was so proud of them all today, I finally understand why some parents get emotional at these events. It was such a lovely feeling watching them cross the finish line with smiles on their faces and competitiveness in their eyes. The children all tried their best today and they were happy with themselves this is all we can ask for and I was one happy teacher!!!
ANZAC Biscuits
Today we made ANZAC biscuits it was a great way to top off an interesting week full of ANZAC activities!