What kids really want in a Digital World

Gosh, this is exciting.  "unencumbered by traditional rules" hmmm....

Despicable3 - In the Guardian!

Despicable3 - In the Guardian!

Hey check it out! We were in the Guardian today on the front page! Thank D3 - you are awesome!

NZ's Most Inspiring Teachers

I received a phone call today to say that I have won $1000 worth of stationary from Warehouse Stationary because I've been nominated as the Top 30 (out of over 1100!) most inspiring teachers in New Zealand!  Wow, that's pretty crazy!

This is yet another 'good news' message that's come my way since the last half of the year.  My partner said to me that my school is so lucky to have me, but honestly I think I am lucky to have the school.  Or maybe a good combination of both.  

If you hadn't heard, my class blog Despicable3, came runner up in the 2011 Interface Best Blog Award!

Yes, and today is my 30th Birthday!  2011 continues to be a fantastic year!

Plan A... er... B

One week earlier I was all locked in for my first choice of Year 3/4, digital class... but you never can tell what's just around the corner. A colleague announced that they are leaving so I am filling his spot... Year 5/6, non-digi...

My immediate feeling was like WOW! But now I am starting to get used to the idea. It is pretty cool to be acknowledged for my behaviour management skills (thanks Coley and Bill Rodgers!). All of my resources are pretty much for Level 3. On the other hand, I was looking forward to consolidating my learning at Year 3/4 because I have only had 5 terms with this level. I am just getting to really suss it out however, they are almost Year 5 now.

Another plus is that I am going on Camp in Term 1!! I love camp! Helping kids to take risks in Outdoor Education at the beginning of the year is great, everyone starts on 'Common Ground' - it's the perfect "Learning Community" unit.

Also, leading the leaders of the school is exciting. It will keep me in touch with Kapahaka leaders and music kids etc. I'll be more connected...

Yes, it will be an EXCITING change

Despicable3 - Hei konei ra (jagger)

Despicable3 - Hei konei ra (jagger)

This is my second shot at writing a song in Maori!

Two Projectors

A short story I wrote about trying to get the projector to work when I was in charge of production.

Two Projectors

Despicable3 - Wonder Walk

Despicable3 - Wonder Walk

Today we went out for our 'wonder walk' to ignite our wonderings about some of Russell Street's hidden stories.  Here is a slide show I made with some of the pictures we took.  If you know of any hidden stories about one of the photos please share!!

Something to think about before we start back at school...

Message from Nic

Message from Nic

Wow! What an amazing term? It has definitely finished on a high because of our Production. All of the comments your parents have given you on your ePortfolios are all so positive and full of praise! You were fantastic, absolutely fantastic! It was a very special moment for me to be able to sit back during your performance and watch all of you performing with such focus and passion. Well done!! (And I apologise that I forgot to put on the smoke machine... again!). What a feeling - I was so proud of you all!

What about your Music Videos that we created this term? They are really awesome - and you all worked so hard to complete them. They will be something that you will treasure and look back on in years to come and you can say "Yeah! I made a music video!"

We have learned about Problem Solving and finding fractions of a set for maths. We began learning about tessellating patterns with geckos.

It snowed in Palmerston North and we captured this moment by taking photos and writing stunning creative stories about the experience. Millie brought in some Kelp and we wrote suspenseful stories using descriptive words about the kelp to describe an alien creature attacking you. We will finish these next term.

We extended our pastel skills and created an underwater tropical coral scene for our calendar art. There were some amazing completed pieces and they look stunning on our wall! Parents please make sure you purchase your child's calendar art from the office!

We have been practicing visualising, self-monitoring and inferring meaning when reading. Also, we have been learning about looking at a situation from "other people's viewpoints". One group worked with Suzanne and learned about the human body and another group looked at problems in the school that they could improve or fix - this is called 'problem-based learning'.

Like I said above, WOW! You rock D3! What an amazing bunch of people you are!? Have a really good break over the holidays, be nice to your mum and GO THE ALL BLACKS!!

Production Meeting

I had a bit of a balls PD meeting today because I did not put in as much thought into the crux of the meeting. I guess it all comes with experience and I will know not to make the same mistakes next time. And there is no point making excuses because none of that matters now: fail forward.

Elly's idea was great for people to get into their buddy classes and discuss planning and structure of people's performances. Once we got this going - there was a very energising feeling in the room.

And also Eb's idea to share at the end - what a great chance to reflect and share great ideas.

What is the best structure for running a session with other teachers? Any pointers??