Last Weekend's Learning

Last weekend I went to EducampChCh to share MyChatPak and also to push my own learning further.  Everyone loved what all of you have been doing with MyChatPak and how confident you're becoming in sharing your learning with others.  I felt very proud of the effort you put into your learning and it's fantastic for others to be able to see what I see every day!

I've included the Google Presentation from the day for you to have a look at.  There are some incredible tools that we can use in the classroom but we need to keep in mind - always - the central question - What impact will this tool have on teaching and learning?  If it doesn't have a positive impact then is it just a 'cool tool'?  We need to be able to be clear about the learning behind the tool.

Have a really close look at the SAMR model of technology integration - I really loved this and learned such a lot about it.  This may be the tool that we use to decide on the impact of a particular tool or app that we want to use in our teaching and learning. 

As always - I'm really looking forward to hearing YOUR thoughts.  You always make me think more deeply and critically about what I do in teaching and learning. 

Week 8 Prep for Learning

Hi everyone

Your Prep for Learning this week is much the same as last week as you will be really getting into your Inquiries around Conquest.
This will be your reading as you research and take notes about your area of interest.

For maths, please continue to use Studyladder with a focus on FRACTIONS this week.

Spelling - get those words into Spelling City and use the tools on there, along with the strategies in class, to help you know and understand how the words work.

Have an awesome week and keep working hard and focusing on your goals.

Amazing Initiative of The News Crew

I am speechless with pride in my students.  Click on the News Crew link below and see what you think of the news channel that some of our amazing class members have just set up.

This is completely their own initiative - they were not required to do this.  I am your very proud and humbled teacher.  This is just another example of why you are outstanding students - and human beings.

I also saw your reactions to the Anti-bullying presentation today and had great respect for all of you.  Our future is bright if you are in charge.

NEWS CREW

Sparkol VideoScribe Tutorial 1: Creating Your First Scribe

Here is a cool new tool for you to try.  I've got it on trial for 7 days but I will need to log you in under my name at school to trial it.
I'm looking forward to seeing what you think.  Remember to be critical teachers and learners.  The tool doesn't decide the learning.  It supports the learning.
How would you use this to show what you are learning or what you have learned?  I'm looking forward to your ideas.

My Learning Day at Educamptt

Hi everyone!  I had a fantastic time at Educamptt in Whangarei.  Have a look at the Google Presentation below and see what tools you could use in your learning.  Remember, they can't just be 'cool tools', you need to justify their use in your learning.
Looking forward to hearing what you think - just click on the images and the links will open.

Prep For Learning for Week 7 - WEEK 7!!!!???? Can you believe it??

Hi everyone!
I hope you've all had good weekends and are ready to push your learning as far as it can go again this week.

Your Prep for Learning is simple this week:

• Read, read, read......
• Maths - online on Studyladder - please use classroom computers if there are computer issues at home :-)
• Speeches - we're working hard to complete these by Wednesday and then start presenting on Friday - don't panic about these.  We can use MyChatPak to help you develop confidence.
• Inquiry / Concept - you've narrowed down your question.  Now is the time to research.  We'll be recapping the tools an effective researcher needs on Monday and Tuesday.  Use time at home to read and research.

Have an awesome week and keep Striving to Achieve!!

A Welcome Back and a Reminder

Hi everyone

Today we were excited to welcome Mariah back to our whanau.  It's great to have you home and we really missed you.

Remember, we have a shared lunch tomorrow.  Looking forward to celebrating a fantastic half year of learning and to welcome Mariah back.

Ko te Matariki

We are celebrating Matariki - Maori New Year.  Click the link below to read more - we will be reading this as part of our reading programme this week.  Our main focus will be applying our Prior Knowledge and also to be able to Identify the Main Ideas in a text.

What is your prior knowledge about Matariki - what can you share with us and teach us?

Comment below.

MATARIKI - the story and resources

Whose Birthday is it Today?

A very famous author has a birthday today.  I wonder who it is??  How could you find out??

You're right!  It would have been Maurice Sendak's birthday!!  I've grabbed the following off Youtube - the Google Doodle.

Build Your Wild Self

Hi everyone!

I've just been shown a fantastic website that is especially relevant for all of you who love animals, science, zoos, etc.

Check out the link below and let me know what you think.

 BUILD YOUR WILD SELF

 

 

Check out the tutorial on how to create and the thinking that is needed.

 

What Are You Going To Share With Us in Your Speech?

I'm really interested in what you are going to speak about this year.  Add your current thinking / ideas to the Google Doc.

Click on the link below:

SPEECHES

Science Roadshow 2013

This morning we were lucky to be able to go to the Science Roadshow.  Share your learning about what you found out / learned.  Were there any surprises??

I'm loving reading your thinking - remember to be really specific about what you loved and why and also what you learned.  Think about where else you could go for more information.  Who could you ask?

Here is a link you might like - Science Careers Activities.  This is from the online resources for the Science Roadshow.

SCIENCE ROADSHOW 2013

I wonder why Mr Elmes is looking a little nervous??!!

Who was the strongest boys?

Madison looks like she's enjoying herself!

Peddle faster Jade! :-)

"I'm trying to get this skeleton to do some work!!!!"

The Coke fizz phenomenon!

For All Our Space Fans

Check out what NASA has been up to - stunning images of our nearest major galaxies.  What are your thoughts?


NASA - A Swift Tour of the Nearest Galaxies in UV Light: