Musical - Curriculum Integration through The Arts.

This term we have been focussing on a Junior School Musical - One Fly Over the Rubbish Dump. This was an environmentally focussed musical that connects to our school Enviroschools programme. It involved Music, Dance, Drama, and Visual Arts. Students and whanau were involved in all aspects of the musical, with teachers acting as facilitators. This opportunity has inspired some students to want to take advantage of the opportunities that will become available for them in the senior school.

Mihi - Creating a sense of identity.

This term we have been working with whānau and learners to develop an understanding of their whakapapa and identity. Each student had to undertake research with their whānau to establish their places of significance. In class we have scaffolded this further by creating a written mihi and visual mihi template. Each day we are covering different aspects of mihimihi. Through this process, whānau have been actively engaged in the learning of their students. As teachers we have demonstrated a commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Tangata Whenuatanga.

Sharing our learning with our whanau

Using blogs as a tool to share our learning with our whanau.

Sharing Learning Sites at Hokitika Hub Community Open Evening

On Tuesday 10th April I was asked to host a sharing session regarding learning sites at the Hokitika Hub Community Open Evening. I shared our learning site with a number of whānau and teachers. In total, I run three 20 minute sessions. There were a number of questions and a range of positive feedback about this sharing session. We have also undertaken to support other junior teachers within the hub to implement 1:1 iPads within their setting.

Using Blogs as a tool for whānau connection with learning

Our class blog is used to support the connection with whānau and learners.