Room3 @ Haumoana 2014: A Terric End to a Terrific Term

The last few weeks were a bit of a whirl wind.

We had Tikokino School come to visit and share our learning on the Native Bush. That was a super day and not only did we share our Native Bush study, we managed to slip in a bit about our Matariki celebrations and also the success of our South African endangered animals in the edible arts parade as well.

So…there was a lot to feel proud of… and we did!

Then on the last Monday of term we had our BIG presentation on our Native Bush study. Robyn from DOC and Selwyn from Dolbel reserve were there as well as interested parents and families. We transformed the library and spent an hour and a half sharing all the learning we have had so much fun acquiring along the way. From the varied reports on common insects found in the leaf litter that Robyn had first brought to school, to the wonderful research and information gathered from reports on our very own kiwi. The children’s knowledge was impressive.

We shared our Expositions and our opinions on whether or not we should cut down the Native Forests to make way for more houses; a topical issue. Believe it or not the children were unanimously against it and wrote passionately about the importance of looking after our Native Bush for future generations. KAITIAKITANGA was our catch-phrase which means just that, we are the guardians of our world so we need to take care of it.

We sang songs, shared our poems and our beautiful art and also performed a little play instigated by Lydia who took the idea from the legend of ‘How The Kiwi Lost It’s Wings’. We wrote letters to Papatuanuku the Earth Mother with our thoughts on what we need to do to take care of our world. The letters were beautifully written and presented in water colour.

Our final item was when every child shared their Kiwi book with someone in the audience. These books had been written and illustrated by the children. We then finished off with a cuppa, cake and anzac biscuits, which thanks to Joseph had become a special part of our study.

As you can probably tell I was very proud of all the children’s efforts. It really was a celebration of the enjoyment and learning that we had experienced from the entire programme. I believe that to give children authentic opportunities to learn through, is the best way; this definitely proves it.

CONGRATULATIONS ROOM 3… you were magnificent.

P.S. We also raised over $50 for the Kiwi Volunteers from our apple chutney (made by the children) and the bits and bobs sold from our little stall held at the presentation. Great stuff!