Kāhui Ako ki Orewa

Rāmere, te 4 o Mahuru, 2020

Tuhituhi / Writing: Curriculum Integration Music

Music is a world within itself, with a language we all understand

STEVIE WONDER

Music helps create a classroom environment of creativity, it helps make the brain more open to deeper critical thinking. Music opens up neurons, opens doors in your brain making students receptive to learning and a great way to teach curriculum content.

So how does creativity enhance learning and why is this important in the teaching of literacy? With this question I am reminded of the wonderful quote from the late Sir Ken Robinson – “ Creativity is as important as literacy.”

By introducing music, and by this we mean more than just listening to music, classroom teachers can enrich the learning experience of their students by:

• Helping students to memorise content
• Enrich a learning experience
• Motivates students to focus concentration, mood, atmosphere
• A sense of belonging – community, a sense of fun
• Fosters individual expression, stimulates creativity

Connecting Literacy with the Arts – Music Curriculum Links

Follow the link here to Edutopia for some fabulous activity suggestions on using music to inspire writing- lots of fun to be had! Link to an article on ‘Music as teaching tool’ here on Edutopia.

Another useful site to explore is the Institute for Art Integration and STEAM. Follow the link here to learn more. Telling stories with sound; Successful ways to integrate music in the classroom; Making sound stories; Music to assist spelling – so many ideas!

Using popular music to promote reading and inspire writing- Scholastic site here Music is used to inspire, motivate, and teach reading and writing through song. There are some great links here for teachers of curriculum levels 1-4.

Visit The Literacy Shed – Music Shed here for some fabulous ideas and lessons to inspire writing through music and song.

Keep it normal for you

It is quite normal to feel anxious or overwhelmed as a teacher returning to school in covid-19 Level 2

We clearly consider our students’ needs and try to lessen anxiety for all, but we often put ourselves last, when we should be first.  Remember: “Oxygen mask on yourself first!” Teachers have so much to think about and the load we carry increases at times like this, emotionally and mentally, which in turn affects us physically.

We are amazing, effective teachers who need to make time for ourselves to keep being amazing.

Try these Coping Strategies if you’re feeling anxious or stressed:

• • Take a time-out. Practice yoga, listen to music, meditate, get a massage, or learn relaxation techniques. Make space and time to step back and clear your head.
  • Schedule escape time – watch a movie , read a book , write, draw, colour, to go into another world for a while
  • Get creative – seeing a physical result promotes a sense of wellbeing, achievement and satisfaction.
  • Eat well-balanced meals. Do not skip any meals. Do keep healthful, energy-boosting snacks on hand.
  • Limit alcohol and caffeine , which can aggravate anxiety.
  • Get enough sleep . When stressed, your body needs additional sleep and rest.
  • Exercise daily to help you feel good and maintain your health.
  • Take deep breaths. Inhale and exhale slowly.
  • Count to slowly. Repeat, and count to 20 if necessary.
  • Do your best. Instead of aiming for perfection, which isn’t necessarily possible, be proud of however close you get.
  • Accept that you cannot control everything. Put your stress in perspective: Is today/this moment really as bad as I think?
  • Welcome humour. A good laugh goes a long way.

• • Maintain a positive attitude. Make an effort to replace negative thoughts with positive ones.
  • Get involved. Volunteer or find another way to be active in your community, which creates a support network and gives you a break from everyday stress.
  • Learn what triggers your anxiety. Is it work , family, school, or something else you can identify?
  • Write in a journal when you’re feeling stressed or anxious, and look for a pattern.
  • Talk to someone. Tell friends and family you are feeling overwhelmed, and let them know how they can help you.
  • Talk to a physician or therapist for professional help.

Covid Response

Te Wiki o te Reo Māori 2020/Māori Language Week 2020

Kia ora koutou,

Our kura are usually great at planning a range of activities to celebrate Te Wiki o te Reo Māori. Please take the time to grab hold of any initiatives they throw your way. Plan for and take the time to do something each day that incorporates te reo Māori.

Great resources

We have found a great resource online for learning place names.

• Māori place names website
• Testing your Māori place names

A Māori Language Moment:

Part of this year’s celebration is a new initiative called the Māori Language Moment. At midday on Monday/ Rāhina 14 of September, students and teachers stop to learn/ako, speak/ kōrero, sing/ waiata, play/tākaro a game, listen/whakarongo at the same time.

We want to grow one million speakers by 2040 and today, as our language champions did in the past, we’ll start with a defining moment: the Māori Language Moment.

An interesting read

When Kelly Bertrand was made redundant during noho rāhui / lockdown, she brought a longstanding idea to life. One month later, her new media venture, Capsule was launched and she was working alongside a team of supportive and like-minded women. Have a look at her website for some non- teaching yet interesting articles.

Kāhui Ako Meeting Dates

30 July: Meeting at Orewa College all ISLs

6 August: Pōhiri for new staff at marae

13 August: Maths Group Planning Day POSTPONED

13 August: Pōhiri at the marae for all ISLs POSTPONED

26 August: Māori and Writing groups planning half day POSTPONED

27 August: Meeting at Orewa College all ISLs POSTPONED

10 September: Meeting at Orewa College all ISLs

14 September: Meeting at Orewa College all ISLs

14-20 September: Te Wiki o te Reo Māori 2020

15 September: Combined BoT (pōhiri at the marae) POSTPONED