Te Reo

In Room VH we have started learning some Te Reo - with our beautiful weather we have started learning some weather words.  We are starting with naming words and will then move onto speaking simple sentences in Maori.  Here are two examples of great work!

Haere ra

Brainy Brain

Yesterday we started learning about our brain.  We wondered who was the boss of us?  Was it our mum and dad?  Was it our teacher?  But we all learnt that our brains were really the boss.

Our brain enables us to breathe, digest, move, talk, listen and think.

We learnt about the cerebrum - the largest part of our brain that has two parts, the left and the right.

The left side of our brain controls the right side of our body.  The right side of the brain controls the left side of our body.

We learnt about the cerebellum - which is underneath the cerebrum.  It controls our balance.  We tried to keep balance (some of us were better than others).

The brain stem connects the brain to the rest of our body and sends messages.

Here is Grace's diagram of the parts of her brain.

Room VH Kids are...

Terrific Week 3

What a cool week.  This week we had a performance by Toro Pikopiko Puppet Theatre It was really cool.  The kids had lots of fun and learnt that you can tell stories with puppets in a really interesting way.

Lots of students got up and performed as well.  Interactive learning!

Room VH also learnt and practised the high jump in preparation for our upcoming athletics days.  Everyone has worked hard on learning the scissor kick to get over the bar.

Put these dates in your diary....

Senior Athletics for 8 year olds and up at Adventure Park, 19th March

Junior Athletics for up to 8 year olds at Discovery School, 20th March

In class we have been learning to work together as a team and cooperate.  We have written recounts for the syndicate weebly which will be published very soon.

I have been very impressed by the perseverance everyone has shown in doing their homework.  Basic Facts are improving every day and the kids are transferring their spelling practice and word knowledge into their writing.  Way to go kids!

Week 2 Wonders!

We have had lots of fun this week.  Room VH had their first visit to the library.  We enjoyed looking around this place full of wonder and adventure.

This afternoon we met with our little buddies from MR class.  This year we are "big" buddies to a Year 2 class in Adventure Syndicate.  We had fun outside in the summer sun playing together.  It was lots of fun and a great way to end a busy week.

Coming up next week we have the Piko Tiro Tiro Puppet Theatre on Monday.  We are all pretty excited about our first performance of the year.

Yum!

Today VH class enjoyed chocolate cake in celebration of my birthday.  A big thank you to Chester for making it for me.  Very very yummy!

We are making good progress in learning how to throw a shot put.  Two days of practise has really helped.  Everyone is throwing just a little further each time.

Today we had fun working together and creating some cool artwork.  We hope you have a chance to see it tomorrow night at the Parent Information Evening, starting at 7pm in our classroom.

Coming Up This Week

We had two great days to start 2013.  It was great to meet everyone and we had fun together.  So good to have everyone keen and prepared to start the new year.  Most people had their sunhats too.  This week we are aiming for 100% sunhats.

Coming up this week....

On Monday morning we are starting our athletics rotation.  This week we are learning to throw a shot put safely and with distance.

Please ask your child to wear appropriate sports shoes so they can throw the shot safely (and not risk dropping it on their toes).  As a syndicate we are learning about the different athletics disciplines together at 9am on the field.  It should be fun!

On Wednesday we have library at 11.45.  This is our first visit of the year so everyone should come home with a new book to read and share.  Also on Wednesday we are having our first syndicate assembly.  I am really looking forward to this.

On Thursday the kids will meet Mrs McVicar.  She is coming in on a Thursday to teach our class.  She knows lots of the children already as she has spent many a day at Discovery School.  We are all looking forward to welcoming her to our class each Thursday.  On Thursday afternoon we have Kapa Haka with Papa Murray.  This is such a fun learning experience for everyone (teacher's included).

This Friday we were going to have a School Assembly but there is going to be some refurbishment completed in the hall so this will happen in Week 3.

So as you can see between all these "extras" we will have lots of learning within the classroom.  Remember to keep up to date with what's happening in VH by following our blog.  Add us to your bookmarks so we are easy to find.

Take care

Mrs H

Great first day together

We have had a great first day together.  This morning we had an amazing powhiri to welcome all the new children, families and new teachers to Discovery School.  The children sang proudly.

We had a spelling test, did some art and other activities to work together and learn about each other.

Today they have come home with a reader and lots of notices so check in their book bags for the latest goings on.

Room VH is going to have a great year together of learning and fun.