Term 2 Week 2

It has been a while since I have actively posted on my Blog...
I wasn't happy with the way writing was going in the Brainiacs so I spent a bit of time talking with Karla (our writing guru) about how to make writing more engaging, opportunities for feedback and publishing. Connecting on a regular basis in writing is something that easily falls to the side in the busy life of the classroom.
I also contacted Judith (RT:Lit) about my continuing frustration with the Wonder Writers and where to next with them...
On the flipside - the term certainly has started well. There are more opportunities within the Literacy programme for student choice, planning and learning. Making that next step in accepting responsibility for ones learning has been quite challenging for those who can struggle just being organised for school each day. When mum isn't there to 'do' stuff, students discover very quickly there are consequences that may involve following up learning in their own time. Constructive feedback is our next major focus. We are still on track to introduce our 'My Learning.Me' personalised timetables by Week 6. Our self managing students are super keen to start these and are already organising my time for me. There will still be a lot of teacher direction for the target students in terms of planning their week.

Week 8

I've found my 'calm' again! It's been a while since I've had it...I don't think I really realised that it had lost it's way.
My classroom feels a much better place to be and I'm helping connect the dots for my students. The power of those around you makes all the difference and it is important to celebrate what is going well. Allow yourself time to breathe!!

Week 5...
It's hard to believe we are nearly half way through this term! Learning Activities that have been going well have been

• Swimming; where there have been huge improvements in stamina, technique and overall performance. It has been great to see students move up groups due to their hard work and see their results in the recent school swimming sports.
• Reading; two groups are enjoying Book Club following Sheena Cameron's programme. Novels being enjoyed are 'Boy Overboard' by Morris Gleitzman and 'Freaky Fish' by Feana Tu'akoi. The students choose their role for the week, and meet together to share their discoveries. Positive comments have been, "It's neat to hear what others in the group think", "We listen to what everyone has to say without interrupting". Allowing the students in other groups to choose their own guided reading material has seen a rise in engagement and their it much discussion coming from the couch.
• Writing; we have completed our sample for moderation and this has presented a mixed bag of data, ranging from Level 1(ii) through to Level 4. It is taking the Year 5s a while to get used to writing online but they are getting there. We are now looking at how we can make our writing 'better than before' through unpacking the writing matrix, choosing areas to work on and using lots 'great writing' models. I am also working with our RT:Lit - Judith, on ways to engage my well below and below writers so they taste success. More about that in my Inquiry Posts.
• Maths; Targeted Maths is going well, 6 students focusing on place value, counting in 2s, 5s and 10s and making tens. The other groups are focusing on add/sub - consolidating strategies and practicing new learning.
• Art; we have finished our first art work for the term, using pastels and black vivid following 'Sea Life Pastel' using 'Tangaroa’s Gift' by Mere Whaanga-Schollum from TKI. 

The Line of Life lives on in our classroom with several students sharing it at home as well. Posters have been created and have become an easy reference for everyone.

No doubt the rest of the term is going to be as full on!

Three weeks in...

I thought it was about time I put fingers to the key board, especially after our staff workshop led by Karla. 

It was quite challenging settling back into school after being at ICOT, there were so many questions and wonderings whizzing around in my head...it was scary but reaffirming at the same time. An opportunity I was lucky enough to experience!

This year I have been blessed with being able to 'keep' my 2012 Year 5's in my classroom - the Brainiacs,  rather than mixing them up. They already know classroom routines, my expectations and groups are easier to set up for learning as I already 'know' half of my learners. The Year 6 students have stepped into the role of "Learning Buddy' making the transition into Year 5 much easier for my new Brainiac students. The perfect way to build a collaborative learning environment. 

One of the ideas gleamed from ICOT has been The Line of Life (Karen Boyes). This has proved quite a talking point amongst teachers and students.We have looked at The Line of Life where we are courage students to live above the line.

Below the line: 'Blame, Excuse, Deny' - we can't learn from our mistakes when we do these three things. Below the line play for the victim team.

Above the line: 'Ownership, Accountable, Responsible' - above the line are the Learning Team.

It has become an easy question to ask...Where are you on the Line of Life? Responses are becoming more aware. It will be interesting to see how The Line of Life impacts on other areas of my students' lives.