Maori String Games

Part of our concept of 'movement' we looked at different string games that Maori used a long time ago.  Some of us were the teacher/kaiako, and others were the learners.  We discussed the importance string games played in the lives of Maori people.  

Maori string games date to pre-European times and are similar to string games played around the world. Traditionally women were more proficient at the games although whai was played by both genders and all ages.  String games were an excellent training ground for the skills required in weaving, in the making of nets, korowai(cloaks), bird and hinaki traps, tukutuku panel work and even the thatching of meeting houses.  Kia ora.

Please Save Our Planet!!!

Anna Murphy from 'EcoSolutions' spoke to us about e-waste (or electronic waste).  E-waste is defined as “electronic equipment that people don’t want.”  Did you know...each year, New Zealanders throw away 80,000 tonnes of e-waste every year-less than 20% of that is recycled, and that e-waste contains hazardous materials, such as mercury, lead and cadmium!  These chemicals can be leached into landfills and our waterways, and as a result, impact on humans, plants and animals.  Anna emphasised the importance of the 4 ‘R’s (reduce, recycle, reuse and repair) and thinking more about God’s environment.  She taught us about the many components in a computer.  We got to disassemble and reassemble a computer.  We had loads of fun and learnt a lot.  So in summary, we ALL can make a positive difference when caring for our planet, so please consider Anna's message before throwing out your obsolete (out of date) e-device or buying your next e-device.  Thanks Anna for your enthusiasm and passion for promoting sustainability.  For more information, please visit these websites:  www.e-cycle.co.nz   www.tvtakeback.govt.nz    www.zerowaste.co.nz/hot-issues/e-waste-recycling

Our 'Movement' Experience

Last week, we were surprised by the arrival of different types of vehicles and objects that assist with moving people and/or things.  On the school court was a milk tanker, a motor bike, a quad bike, a police car, an ambulance, a fire engine, and even a 100 year-old wheelbarrow.  The highlight was a fireman climbing the big ladder.  This 'movement' activity was followed by 'Wheels Day.'  We got to bring our scooters, rollerblades, skateboards, and bikes to school.  Each whanau had turns displaying their skills.  What a great start to the concept of 'movement' and its enduring understanding...'Movement is caused by an action or force and is essential to change position or place.'  Enjoy the photo album!

Make a photo album

How to say the 'Sign of the Cross' in French, Latin, Spanish, and Yoruba.

    

Charlotte taught the class how to say and pronouce the 'Sign of the Cross' in French and in Latin.  These are the words she used...

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Au nom du Pere, et du Fils, et Sante esprit.  Awnsisquato.     (French)

   

In nomine Patri, et Filli, et spiritus Sancti.  Amen.     (Latin)

Maya taught the children how to say and pronounce the 'Sign of the Cross' in Spanish.

En el nombre del Padre, del Hijo, y del Espirtu Santo, Amen     (Spanish)

Inioluwa taught the children how to say and pronounce the 'Sign of the Cross' in her mother tongue from Nigeria called 'Yoruba.'

Simba taught the children how to say and pronounce the 'Sign of the Cross' in his native language of Zimbabwe.

My Heena

Riya came to school today with her hand covered in beautiful patterns. Her family/whanau is celebrating Diwali.  Here is her story...

My hand has beautiful cream called Heena.  You can make any design you want on your hands and legs.  You need to keep the cream in the fridge.  You make your design on paper first than transfer it onto your hand.  Next, wait for two hours for it to dry.  When it is dry, peel it off - now look at your hand.  It is a wonderful orange colour.  Well done!!!  Diwali is a 'celebration of the lights.'  It is an Indian festival and is special to my family and I.  

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Diwali, also known as Deepavali (literally “a row of lamps”), is perhaps the most important and ancient of the Indian festivals.

Diya (or deepa or divaa) are typically made from clayIt is also known as “The Festival of Lights”, and families light small oil lamps (diyas) and candles around the home and set off firecrackers and fireworks.

Traditionally, Diwali is celebrated for five days, and takes place at the new moon on 15th day of the Hindu month of Kartik or Karthika (October/November). This is at the beginning of the winter season and is called the “darkest night of the year”, so lamps are lit to brighten this moonless night.

ipad/ipod apps

I recently visited a classroom where the teacher integrated ipads and ipods into the learning programme.    Below are some of the applications used.  These will need to be viewed first and then down loaded if appropriate to suit the needs of your child.  Children please seek Mum or Dad's permission first.  ENJOY!!!

NUMERACY:

fastfactsadd

fastfactssub

fastfactsmultiply

AUM Multiply

Maths Bingo

Hungry Fish

Number Battle

SPELLING:

Chicktionary

Search Star

Spelling Magic

HangmanFree

WRITING:

Picturebook

Scribble Press

Story Buddy