Wednesday 31 May 2017

Genius Time Reflection - by Mrs Turner

Our 'passion led learning' projects are well underway in Team 8 so I thought I might share with you my personal thoughts and learning so far.... 


As a teacher, I remember feeling very overwhelmed with the whole concept to start with. I mean, I've done similar 'projects' in the senior school, but those kids can read! The question for me was "How do I get 22 brand new 5 year olds to really explore their learning and take the plunge into the unknown?"


My mentor, Donna (The teacher next door), told me that the big difference between genius time and other "project" learning is that "if it is 'ungoogleable', it's perfect". I decided then, that as result of genius time, I would like the children to be able to Make, do or teach. Can they make something, be able to do something new, or teach something to someone else?


Essentially I want the children to act upon their passion and learn something that THEY want to learn about. I want them to step outside their comfort zone and take a risk. 

As a teacher (and a parent) this part challenged me. The whole time so far I have wanted to 'swoop in' in ''help". I've had to take a step back. I've come to realise that I want the kids to get it wrong - this will help them to find their own solution. Life long learning and all that!


So.... after only two sessions - one generating ideas and forming a plan of attack, and one "construction" hour. I'd say there are quite a few of us in the 'learning pit'. (The pit is that place where your tummy feels a little sick. The place where you realise that you have no idea what you're doing, but keep trying anyway. The place where, when you find a solution, making it out is more rewarding than being told the answer.)  I'm there. I hope our kids are there too!


Yesterday, as I was explaining to Donna what chaos ensued after 'genius time' whilst tearing my hair out, she said to me "were all the kids on task? Was everyone happy and excited about their learning?"
And you know what? They were!      

So, lets take that as success!

There is still a heap more learning for Team 8 and I, so Genius Time will continue every Thursday afternoon for the next wee while. Feel free to talk to your children about their projects - this will help them to generate ideas (and climb out of the pit) for themselves. Thank you soooooo much to all my mummy helps so far. We couldn't have done it without you. Hope to see you back if you're around. 

Please feel free to come in and have a chat with me if you have any questions! 

x
Sarah


And to finish... some pictures of us from our last genius hour...




Monday 29 May 2017

New Wall Displays

If you haven't already, come in and have a look around at our walls to see products of our learning!

In Maths we have been learning about "positional language".  All of us can now use words like up, down, beside, on, under etc. Some of us can even tell the difference between left and right! Test our knowledge out at home.
In this display we have drawn a picture of our bedrooms. Then we put Hairy Maclary in there somewhere. Can you tell what position Hairy Maclary is?


In this display we rounded up our learning about "How our actions effect the environment". Team 8 came up with many different ways we can help our Earth to stay healthy for many more years to come. 



Our door is always open to friends and family so if you're in the area please feel free to come in and check out what we are doing and creating.

Tuesday 23 May 2017

Buddha Temple.

Last week Team 8 went with the other Junior classes to visit the Buddhist temple.
The people there taught us about the 3G's and 4G's.

It was a beautiful calm place to visit. Team 8 loved making lotus flowers, making wishes on petals and most of all eating brownie!
We are such lucky children at Sunnyhills School.

A huge thank you to Maddie's mum, Ashton's mum, Tom's mum and Lachie's dad, who came and helped us out on the day!  We couldn't have done it without you!








Check out the recording to see what the 3G's are!

Tuesday 16 May 2017

Mason

Welcome to Team 8 Mason.
Mason has had a great first week in Team 8, and we love having his happy smile!

Make and Do!

Mrs Turner has created an amazing center in Team 8, where she leaves instructions and the bits that we need to make some craft or art.  It is called 'Make and Do.'
I caught Anastasia and Ella following the instructions and making the perfect hand crab!!!

Wow Girls! and Wow Mrs Turner too!

Monday 15 May 2017

Crossing the Road.

Last week MaryAnne and Constable Merv came into Team 8 to teach us how to cross the road safely.
We have to Stop, look and listen...and don't forget to think said Tom!
We learnt about that we need to watch for sneaky driveways and always cross with an adult.
STOP!

LOOK!
LISTEN!


Look!



Sneaky Driveway...watch that car!



 
It was a great day and Team 8 did lots of great learning!

Sunday 14 May 2017

Happy Mothers Day!

Happy Mother's day to all you wonderful mummies. We appreciate everything that you do, and hope you have a fantastic day.
If you haven't already, please check our book-bags, we have made something special to share with you. xx

Saturday 13 May 2017

Kapa Haka

Team 8 had their first Kapa Haka lesson on Friday. We learned a new song learning about how we can say 'Hello' in Maori. Have a listen and see if you can sing it at home :-)




Monday 8 May 2017

ANZAC

During Week One of Term Two Team 8 learnt about ANZAC day.
Some of the things that we learnt were;

  •  that some soldiers fought in a war. 
  • some of these soldiers died.
  • the soldiers were from New Zealand and Australia.
  • we remember them on the 25th of April.
  • some people wear a poppy.
  • some people go to a special parade to remember these soldiers.
As part of this week we made some poppies. We also got to make and eat ANZAC biscuits.  Yummy!
Here are the photos to show you the fun and mess we had.

These are the photos of us making them. Each member of Team 8 had to make their own in a little bowl.



 This photos show the dishes that Mrs Grant did with the help of Nayla and also the biscuits all ready to eat.

Now lets eat!



Team 8 were great chefs and learnt a lot about ANZAC!


Monday 1 May 2017

New Team Members!

Welcome to Team 8 Olivia, Ashton, Dylan and James.
They all had a super duper first day with the rest of the team helping them out!
Here are a few pictures to show them in action.





Some more fabulous team members!