Celebrating the Musical Magic of Senjor Joel

Kia ora everyone!

Today, we’re taking a moment to express just how fortunate we are to have the incredibly talented Senjor Joel sharing his passion for brass instruments with us. 🎺

Senjor Joel is not just a musician; he’s a maestro who brings the vibrant world of brass music to life. His dedication to his craft is evident in every note he plays, and his enthusiasm is truly infectious. Whether he’s leading a workshop, performing on stage, or simply sharing a tune in the classroom, Joel’s love for music shines through, inspiring everyone around him.

His ability to connect with learners of all ages and backgrounds is remarkable. Senjor Joel doesn’t just teach music; he shares stories, history, and the cultural significance of brass instruments, enriching our understanding and appreciation of this art form.

We’re incredibly lucky to have someone of his calibre in our community. His contributions go beyond music; he fosters creativity, encourages self-expression, and builds confidence in our tamariki. The impact of his work resonates far and wide, and we are grateful for the joy and inspiration he brings to us all.

Thank you, Senjor Joel, for sharing your love of brass instruments and your extraordinary talent with us. We look forward to many more harmonious moments together!

Maths and Collaboration

In Room , we’ve been having an awesome time incorporating number games into our maths warm-ups! These games are not only a fun way to start our day but also help us build essential skills like teamwork, leadership, and communication.

We have been usin off with multiplication and division games that challenge our quick-thinking abilities. Whether it’s a round of “backwards timetables” or “Division Dash,” everyone gets involved, and it’s great to see students supporting each other and sharing strategies.

Our goal has been teamwork and showing respect to those in our team. Teams are picked randomly so that we get to work with people that we might not normally chose. Not only are the games strengthening our maths skills, but they’re also building a strong classroom community where everyone feels valued and included. We’re excited to continue exploring new games and seeing how they help us grow as learners and teammates.

Manaiakalani In Class Facilitation

Earlier this week, our digital savvy students had an exciting session with Maria Krausse, our Manaiakalani facilitator, where they learned how to create quizzes using Google Forms. Maria guided the students through the process of designing engaging and interactive quizzes, from crafting questions to customizing the form’s appearance. The students were thrilled to explore the various features. This hands-on experience not only enhanced their digital skills but also empowered them to use technology creatively in their learning. Check out the student blogs to see what they created. A big mihi to Maria for sharing her expertise and making the session so enjoyable!

Literacy

For the past few weeks, we have been focusing on answering several different question types when reading. These can include inferencing (reading between the lines), reorganisation questions (you’ll find the answer by reorganising or piecing together bits of text), literal questions (the answer is in the text) and also questions about vocabulary (what is the meaning of that word when used in this context?).  Check out the focus of this reading group…

The Power of Games in the Classroom

Games aren’t just about fun—they’re essential for enhancing positive social interactions and supporting key competencies from the New Zealand Curriculum, especially for our Year 7-8 tamariki.

Enhancing Positive Social Interactions

  1. Building Relationships: Games foster camaraderie and trust.
  2. Communication Skills: They improve students’ ability to express themselves and listen.
  3. Conflict Resolution: Games provide a safe space to practice resolving disagreements.
  4. Empathy and Inclusivity: Inclusive games teach students to be considerate and inclusive.

Aligning with Key Competencies

  1. Thinking: Games enhance strategic thinking and problem-solving.
  2. Using Language, Symbols, and Texts: They improve literacy and numeracy skills.
  3. Managing Self: Students learn self-discipline and resilience.
  4. Relating to Others: Games develop social skills and teamwork.
  5. Participating and Contributing: They encourage active participation and a sense of belonging.

 

             

Back into Maths!

Welcome back to Term 3! It’s fantastic to see our tamariki back in the classroom, ready and eager to learn. We’ve hit the ground running, diving straight back into our maths lessons with a focus on multiplication and division word problems.

 

               

Being Kind Online

Cybersmart learners know how to interact with others online and make smart decisions about what information they share.

Today, we had an enlightening session on “Being Kind Online” with Maria Krausse. We explored the importance of maintaining kindness and respect in our digital interactions. Maria shared valuable insights and practical tips on how to create a positive online environment.

Here are some tips to help our tamariki be kind online:

  1. Think Before You Post: Always consider how your words might affect others.
  2. Use Positive Language: Encourage and uplift others with your comments.
  3. Respect Differences: Celebrate diversity and be open to different perspectives.
  4. Report Bullying: If you see harmful behaviour, report it to a trusted adult.
  5. Be a Role Model: Lead by example and show others how cool it is to be kind.

Remember, it’s cool to be kind! Let’s continue to create a supportive and respectful online community together. Check out our individual blogs for more about being kind online.

 

Mini Whiteboards

Today, we want to share with you the awesome benefits of using mini whiteboards as a learning tool in Room 1. These nifty little boards have become a staple in our classroom, and for good reason!

Why Mini Whiteboards Rock:

  1. Instant Feedback: Mini whiteboards allow for quick and easy feedback. Whether we’re solving math problems or brainstorming ideas, students can jot down their answers and hold them up for immediate review. This helps us see who’s on the right track and who might need a bit more help.
  2. Engagement: There’s something about writing on a whiteboard that students just love. It makes learning interactive and fun. Plus, it’s a great way to get everyone involved, especially those who might be a bit shy about raising their hand.
  3. Mistake-Friendly: Mistakes are a natural part of learning, and mini whiteboards make it easy to erase and try again. This encourages a growth mindset, where students feel safe to experiment and learn from their errors.
  4. Versatility: These boards can be used across all subjects. From drawing diagrams in science to practicing Te Reo Māori vocabulary, they’re incredibly versatile. We even use them for quick games and quizzes to reinforce learning in a fun way.
  5. Eco-Friendly: Using mini whiteboards reduces our paper usage, making it a more sustainable option. It’s a small step towards being more eco-friendly in our classroom.

How We Use Them:

In Room 1 , we use mini whiteboards for a variety of activities. Here are a few examples:

  • Math Warm-Ups: Students solve problems on their boards and show their answers for a quick check.
  • Spelling Practice: We write and correct words together, making it a collaborative activity.
  • Group Work: In small groups, students use the boards to jot down ideas and share with the class.
  • Te Reo Māori: Practicing new words and phrases by writing them out and sharing with a partner.

The benefits of using mini whiteboards are clear. They make learning interactive, engaging, and efficient. Plus, they’re just plain fun! We are excited to continue using them to enhance our learning experience in Room 1.