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!
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Lydia and Lucy did a great job of introducing our presentation |
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Sharing our reports on the Kiwi |
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Sophia as the narrator of our play |
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Impressive water colour art and cinquain poetry |
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Lenny and James talking about our 'Autumn Action'
Feeling proud of our certificates for having completed our study
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