Rāmere, te 26 o Noema 2021

Hauora/Learner Support

As it is compulsory to wear masks at school (year 4+), we can support our staff and students by having helpful, friendly posters and messages around to remind us of our ‘new normal’. 

Here are some examples of correct ways to wear non medical and medical masks, as well as some cheerful posters to put up in your classroom to remind students and make it feel normal and comfortable. There are a variety of age appealing pictures below. There are plenty on the internet to choose from. Click here for more information.

21st Century Learning/Ako Ināianei Tonu

Anne Davis from Teachthought (2021) believes that what teachers need to be effective in the classroom is thought of in terms of content knowledge, pedagogical knowledge, classroom management skills, and related soft skills like time management and organisation. Below are some of the ‘other’ things beyond pedagogy and content knowledge that she believes teachers need to be effective.

1. Manageable Expectations – Students cannot learn efficiently if they don’t have enough space. Overcrowding is not only uncomfortable but can be a distraction and present problems. As class sizes increase each year, it is imperative that teachers are provided with classrooms that can accommodate all of their students comfortably.

2. Support from ‘home’ – Regardless of what the student’s home circumstance is, teachers can always benefit from support at home in the form of literacy and skill improvement, as well as organisation and mindset/moral support.

3. Time –  Learning new concepts isn’t something that tends to happen overnight. If students are to truly grasp the curriculum taught to them, educators must be given an appropriate amount of time to work the lessons.

4. Funding for curriculum and professional development – Often teachers don’t have a lot to work with so students, therefore, suffer because they are not provided with enough funds to obtain the resources needed to enhance their learning experience. 

5. Technology that helps students learn – Today’s digitally-inclined world has transformed the way students learn. To keep up with modern times, it is necessary for teachers to have the right educational resources. From computers and tablets to software and online tools like animation drawing videos, these sources are vital to being an effective teacher.

6. For things to work – Teachers cannot effectively do their jobs if they work in a facility where the technology and related equipment is unreliable

7. A positive work environment – Teachers want to work in an educational system that provides the best work-life balance.

8. Community and cultural championing and support – There’s more scrutiny about teachers and the educational system now than there has ever been before. Teachers are often evaluated on their performance in the classroom and are quickly blamed when students don’t perform as they should. Yet, the truth is that if educators aren’t provided with the tools, resources, and creature comforts such as those described above, they cannot be expected to be as effective in the classrooms.

Future Ready/Digital Curriculum/Anga Whakamua

Hour of Code 2021

The Hour of Code is a global movement introducing tens of millions of students worldwide to computer science, inspiring kids to learn more, breaking stereotypes, and leaving them feeling empowered. 

What is Hour of Code?

A one-hour introduction to computer science The Hour of Code began as a one-hour coding challenge to give students a fun first introduction to computer science and has become a global learning event, celebration, and awareness event. HourOfCode.com offers hundreds of one-hour activities in over 48 languages for kindergarten and up. 

Activities require no experience and can be run on browsers, tablets, and smartphones – some don’t require any computer at all. https://hourofcode.com/nz

Why Hour of Code?

Computer science is changing every industry on the planet. Every 21st-century student should have the opportunity to learn how to create technology. Computer science concepts also help nurture creativity and problem-solving skills to prepare students for any future career.

How?

Everything you need can be found here – https://hourofcode.com/nz/how-to

To make it easy we have put together this recommended insert for the week:

Hour of Code 2021 – A one-hour coding challenge for kids of any age!

1. On your iPad or laptop – click on https://hourofcode.com/nz/learn to see the available activities.
2. We recommend one of the following to try:
   • Years 2-4 love Dance Party – https://code.org/dance. Click Start and follow the instructions
   • Years 4-6 enjoy Minecraft – https://code.org/minecraft. There is two levels here to try, Click Start and follow the instructions
   • Years 5+ try out Star Wars: Building a Galaxy with Code – https://code.org/starwars
3. If you finish early, students can see all tutorials and try another Hour of Code activity.
4. Make and print your own Hour of Code 2021 certificate – https://code.org/certificates

Join the movement and introduce your students to computer science.

Hour of Code how-to video

For more information click here

Te Ao Māori – Mau Rākau (Taiaha)

Taiaha is an important part of te ao Māori that we have been bringing into our kura over the past few years. We have found another great resource on the Māori television website for our tama and kaiako wanting to try our mau rākau (Taiaha training).

It’s all in te reo Māori but don’t be put off. Follow the actions (āhei) and learn all of the basics of mau rakau. These lessons can even be added to your online learning programs for our tamariki whio aren’t returning.

You don’t need a taiaha, just a broom stick with smoe tape at one end to show which end is the spearhead.

Te Whare Rākau – Learn to use the taiaha