Making Word Strings

During phonics we have been exploring word strings.  We start with a 3 letter word that has a consonant, vowel consonant pattern.  We break the word up into individual sounds and then write each sound down.  Next we brainstorm all the different rhyming words and sound them out until we have created a string of words that rhyme.  This technique teaches learners to isolate sounds and allows them the chance to practice recording what they can hear.

Trip to Auckland Museum

Last week we went to visit Auckland Museum to take part in a workshop about Pacific music and dance.  Olivia, you showed a keen interest when the kaiako handed around the different artefacts from the Pacific Islands.

You showed respect and responsibility as you waited patiently for your turn and then treated the taonga very carefully.  You listened carefully to the kaiako and were keen to respond when he asked questions.

We finished off our workshop by making ai.  You really enjoyed this activity and even though the threading was a bit tricky you didn't give up.  You showed resilience and kept on trying until it was done.  I hope you enjoyed your time at the museum today Olivia.  I was really proud of the way you used the school values.

Cultural Celebration Day

What a great time we had on our cultural celebration day!  We started off with a parade so we could show off our amazing cultural outfits.  It made us realise just how many different cultures there are at Elm Park School.  Next we had some special visitors come in to talk to us about the Cook Islands.  We learnt about the alphabet, sang a Cook Island song and learnt some simple phrases.  A big "meitaki maata" to Masyn's family for coming in!  We also learnt how to use rakau to make music and listened to some myths and legends from different cultures.

We also got to have a shared lunch.  We loved being able to sit around the table learning about the different foods, acknowledging the culture of our classmates and asking questions.  It was a fantastic day!