Pīwakawaka Hapori News
By Ruth Faulkner | Posted: Wednesday March 6, 2024
Rūma Rima have been enjoying learning about cultures within our classroom where we recently investigated Fiji and Pakistan. Extending upon this, as part of our Project Based Learning journey, we examined Fijian tapa cloth, recreating turtles and repeated patterns in our Art as a result, linking them to Lynley Dodd’s story of the Smallest Turtle. Furthermore, we briefly looked at New Zealand artist Reuben Paterson’s kowhaiwhai glitter pieces and created our own collaboration. This relates to the patterns in the story of Tangaroa’s Gift, which also ignited spectacular descriptive Writing.
Mr Reid continues to provide an amazing programme each Thursday. Tamariki have enjoyed conducting Science experiments such as chromatography. They have busily undertaken Statistical Investigations which require comparing, graphing and making statements using ‘more,’ ‘most,’ ‘same,’ and ‘less.’ He also tied in some butterfly artwork and Maths to fit in with the arrival of our monarch butterfly.
This week in Rūma Ono, we've had the privilege of welcoming whānau to share their rich cultural heritage with us, providing valuable insights into their traditions. We thoroughly enjoyed these presentations and wrote special thank you letters to show our appreciation.
In Maths we have been learning about statistics. We have delved into the world of graphs, becoming adept at interpreting pictographs and mastering the use of tally marks. We are now learning to craft meaningful statements to accompany graphs.
Physical Education has seen our class enhancing our coordination and teamwork through focused efforts on throwing and catching skills.
Highlighting our cultural appreciation, we immersed ourselves in the retelling of "Tangaroa's Gift" and expressed our creativity through the creation of pāua art inspired by the tale. We are learning to use lots of interesting words in our writing.
For PBL, Rūma Whitu has enjoyed learning about traditional and non-traditional clothing worn by people from different cultures. We had fun creating some stick puppets with people wearing traditional clothing. Using our stick puppets, we worked in groups to come up with a puppet show to teach the other children about our clothing.
At writing time, Rūma Whitu has also been busy creating an individual kete featuring "I can" statements. These show all of the things that we know how to do. As 5 and 6 year olds, we can achieve so many things!
Another highlight for Rūma Whitu was learning about Monarch butterflies and symmetry. We painted beautiful symmetrical butterflies using the colours based around the Monarch butterfly.
At Maths time, we have been mathematicians - reading and writing numbers and talking about the number that comes before and after.
Our Structured Literacy programme has featured learning around 'Ty the Spy.' We are experts in reading and writing words where the 'y' makes the long 'i' sounds.
As part of Move it March, Rūma Tekau mā Toru have introduced daily yoga into our classroom programme. Apart from just keeping us active - it is a fantastic way for our young children to develop both strength and flexibility. We are working on our own body awareness and mindfulness. Check out our yoga pros!
Kā mihi nui,
Ruth Faulkner, Paula Fisher, Nicole Wilson and Courtney Dunn.
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