Week 5

 Kia Ora All,

It's been a busy time in Room 2 these last few weeks and looks to stay that way. 

• We've been doing preparation leading up to our field trip to Wainui by learning about the species of birds we expect to see out there, dipping our toes into some bug identification, doing some tree identification, as well as setting the tracking tunnels in the Hurst's forest (we got some impressive sets of prints, but still need to try to identify the animals that made them). 
• This week we'll continue to do some bug and bird work as well as learning about sand dunes.
• On Friday, we started the process of making some signs for the school garden, which will involve sanding, painting as well as learning to to use a jigsaw. It will also involve some research and learning about plant classification. Sol is helping us with the process.
• We also used some of the seasonal veggies in the garden to make veggie fritters. Next time we cook, I'll come prepared with gluten free flour so everyone can have one!
• Lego club is still a go thanks to Jennifer and the kids are thoroughly enjoying it. 
• This week is also Samoan language week. Lani (my wife) has kindly put together some resources and helped me plan some activities. We'll be learning some basic phrases, doing an art activity and learning a dance called the Sasa. 
• Please check out the video below with some phrases we'll be learning and Lani demonstrating the pronunciation. You may like to view the video full screen mode so you can see the phrases written down as well as hearing them. If you're working on them for home learning, I suggest doing one phrase at a time. Pause and rewind the video to practice.

Rock On,

Mr M

What have we been up to in Room 2?

 Kia Ora All,

The students have all made an excellent start to the term. One of the activities we did recently, as part of our te reo programme, is making a kete (from textile, not flax!). The relevant tikanga we talked about was the practice of gifting the first item you make to someone. We also talked about the different uses of kete and touched briefly on how they were originally made. The kids first decided who they were going to gift their kete to, and then brought that person to mind as they created it. We're going to display the kete on the wall until the end of the term, and after that the children will be able to take them home and gift them to their chosen person. Below are some photos of the process and the finished product. 

Rock on,

Mr M