Starting Pr1me Maths (Book 1)

Today we introduced the Pr1me Maths, and honestly? The class was buzzing! Everyone was super keen to dive in, but we took it slow, step-by-step, to make sure everyone got it.

First, short-form dates at the top of the page. Then, we went through the example problem, so they’d be able to use it while working on the following questions independently. Essentially, we used manipulatives whilst building math vocabulary (incorporate maths talks). With our learners, they’re working on reading the questions independently and figuring out what they’re being asked to do mathematically—similar to DMIC

The Prime online platform reinforced the work we did with manipulatives and practice books. Our learners liked the aesthetic, challenges, and rewards.

Cybersmart Challenge – Bookmarks

To build our learners ‘digital fluency’ competency, today our class had its first Cybersmart Challenge, which focused on learning how to bookmark sites for easy access. We had a handful of students who have already mastered in this skill, while my newer students were still learning the terminology/language of using their Chromebooks. Good problem to grapple with.

It’ll be interesting to see how our students feel about using chromebooks, their level of proficiency and what are their goals with using their digital device? Hmmm .. watch this space!

A side note, most of the students said their parents don’t know how to ‘bookmark’ their favourite sites?  Interesting?  I wonder – if they don’t know how to bookmark, or don’t use the terminology ‘bookmark?   If you’re at home,  check out Manaiakalani Cybersmart Challenge – how many skills/terminology are you familiar with?

Check out a few of our developing digital Edubloggers posts about ‘Bookmarks’.

Click on this: Edublog post – book marks then click on their image and it’ll take you straight on their blog. Leave a positive comment on their blog.

Malo Room 14!

 

Rm 14 PENN – Joy ‘koakoa mai, koakoa atu’

Our first Room 14 PENN movie! We’ve had a busy and exciting start to Term 1, and we haven’t been able to capture all our findings yet. Our school theme has been ‘Joy – koakoa mai, koakoa atu.’

Room 14 discovered joy in three key areas: knowing our identity and feeling connected to our community, our hobbies and interests, and engaging in learning, especially with digital devices.

A lot of our students shared in a verbal survey that family is a pivotal source of joy. One student even joked, ‘they can be a pain… lol!’ but ultimately, family is important.

Check out our Term 1 short PENN movie and see what brings Room 14 joy. What brings you joy?

#joy in the small things!  #Happy blogging everyone!
#this song gives us joy vibes!

2025 School Lunches

This is the first year that the Ministry has taken over the reins of our lunches. Due to high costs, they’re wanting to reduce the cost of lunches and ensure all the nutrients are right for our tamariki.

The last couple of years, we’ve had our free lunches catered by Colin and his team (Height’s Baker & Cafe, address: 3/114 Reeves Road, Pakuranga Heights – if you have time, check them out) and they went above and beyond with their selection of delectable lunches that would make your mouth water.

Our learners are adjusting to the new lunches. In the first week, we had hot lunches in aluminum foil containers that were too hot to handle.

I’m not sure how the new caterers handled the high demand for lunches in the beginning (teething stages), because our lunches were late. For the past couple of weeks, Pit has catered our lunches. Our learners appreciate the lunches, but we still miss the sushi, teriyaki chicken, fried pork rice, and fish/cheese burgers with their baking from Height’s. baker.

 

But here’s a picture of a delicious scone (the photo doesn’t do justice to its taste… lol!) baked by my wonderful Year 7 student, Iesha, back from her Tamaki College tech rotation. It was delicious, Iesha! I hope you get to bake some for your family too!

#Happy Living, everyone! #JoyInTheSmallThings

Getting Started with Our New Chromebooks

This week, our learners are transitioning to Chromebooks, moving from iPads. As a former Year 5 teacher, I sometimes forget how much there is to learn when starting with a new system. For example, our Year 4 learners must learn to enter long email addresses, navigate keyboards, input passwords, bookmark frequently used websites, and use Google Drive. These seemingly simple tasks can feel like they take forever to teach, but our learners usually pick them up quickly. Our school’s core values are learn, create, and share. Manaiakalani keeps us updated and informed on ways to improve our digital skills.

Manaiakalani supports our students and staff by using new teaching methods, teaching digital responsibility, and involving the community. It aims to give everyone equal chances, encourage creativity, and prepare students for a future where technology is important. They set up weekly Cybersmart challenges to help our learners develop their digital skills. Our learners have already signed up for affordable Chromebooks. It’s never too late to sign up; please visit our Office Administration.

We begin with the ‘Kawa of Care,’ an agreement between students, parents, and the school to ensure responsible Chromebook use.

We’ve got this, Year 4! Let’s go! #JoyInTheProcess”

Treaties, Visions, and Picnics!

2025 began with a short week due to the Waitangi weekend. Our learners explored the Treaty of Waitangi, focusing particularly on how the principles of ‘Participation, Protection, and Partnership‘ apply to their daily lives. We’ve been working on our class treaty, our learners have signed our treaty by colouring in their feathers.  Our learners are working on a sheet “All about Me”, I’ve found some interesting facts about our learners – one thing i’ve been intrigued is their ‘vision’ of what they’re wanting to become.

We also enjoyed a beautiful school picnic, with high tide providing a perfect opportunity for our swimmers. I am reminded that our learners require clear instructions and ample time to complete tasks. What feels like a lifetime to me passes in the blink of an eye for them.

I sometimes take for granted our familiarity with digital devices. As we are in the early weeks of term 1, we begin each day with handwriting practice, emphasising capital letters, finger spacing, and legibility.

Due to the ongoing process of establishing expectations and routines for our energetic learners, we managed to read only one text this week. But I wonder how our learners are finding their new teacher and space?

Welcome to 2025 “Joy – koakoa mai, koakoa atu”

Our theme for 2025 “Joy – koakoa mai, koakoa atu“.
This is a new year of “Adjustments”. We can find joy in the nuances of our new space and learners.

This is my first year, being part of term 3 – I still get nervous when I start a new year, but even more nervous being in a new space.

However, we have a group of enthusiastic Year 4 learners who are ecstatic about returning to school after what they described as a ‘long‘ holiday. We’re looking forward to 2025, when we’ll be introducing ‘Pr1me Maths‘, a globally recognised structured mathematics curriculum with proven high outcomes.

I also plan to develop our learners’ digital fluency skills and implement a more personalised learning approach (Their learning styles, learners profile and tracking their progress). Super excited! Stay tuned for updates.

2024 Manaiakalani Film Festival – Save our Planet!

Have you ever wondered what Planet Earth will be like in 20 years?
Did you know our food choices can save the planet? By eating bugs!!

It’s called “en-to-mo-pha-gy! You can help save our planet by eating bugs?!

and Guess what? … It’s high in protein … Let’s save our planet!

Term 4 Inquiry – May the Force be with you

This term inquiry is “May the force be with you” – Kia Kaha te kaha ki a hoe
Our focus question: How do the four forces of flight work together to help things fly? This week we’ve been briefly looking at Identify the 4 forces that affect flight; Lift, Thrust, Drag, and Weight.

This is one of our groups ‘Elena & Carnita’ looking at one of the motions of flight “Thrust”.

Save our Planet – ‘Entomophagy

Task description: Today, we explored the pressing issues of the greenhouse effect, global warming, and climate change. We discussed how these factors are negatively impacting our planet Earth. How can we make a difference?


This week, Room 9’s literacy class became insect experts! We explored the concept of entomophagy and its potential benefits. The discussion was lively, with students expressing a range of emotions. Despite initial fear, the class bravely accepted the challenge of trying edible insects.

We were fortunate to have two generous sponsors, Mike Ashby from Biosuppliers Ltd., who provided us with 30 large locusts and a 100-pack of waxmoth larvae. Interestingly, Mike’s mother used to be a specialised teacher at our school, working with students who faced unique learning challenges.

Louise Burnie from Eat Crawlers contributed cricket pasta and scorpion lollipops to our culinary adventure. By embracing entomophagy, we aimed to contribute to the preservation of our planet.

I wonder who was the most adventurous eater in the class?  Did anyone pretend to be sick to avoid trying the insect dishes?
If you could turn one of your classmates into an insect, who would it be and why?  Stay tunned!