Term Three Learning Mission

We have been set a learning challenge by a Humanoid that is working for aliens from outer space.  It said, "I am a Humanoid that is investigating Earth for my alien masters.  They have seen many pictures of New Zealand's famous people, food, buildings and kiwiana.  They want to understand more about them.  Please research and find out information for me so I can go home.  I will be able to tune in to your classroom to watch and listen to what you are doing.  Please hurry, I want to go home."
Wow - it was so exciting when we found this message on our blog.  Miss Hughes said to listen carefully and we did!
We needed to find out what a humanoid was before we decided what to do next.
We were also unsure about what kiwiana meant.
We checked out these two words in dictionaries and on the internet.  Then we started to plan what to do next.

Henderson Intermediate Visit Us

On Thursday, the first of July, Henderson Intermediate Bi-lingual unit came to visit Anawhata and Piha teams to help us with our learning.  We had some speeches and waiata to welcome them.  Miss Hughes and Mr Giles spoke for us and we sang Te Whenua O Raumati to support them.  We all bought some food to share for morning tea.  It was such a feast we had some for lunch too!

View the slide show to watch the action.  You might notice us singing in the background, Glenys thinks we are fantastic singers.  Thanks Miss Hughes for teaching waiata to us and letting us join Anawhata on a great learning journey in Term 2.

Indy, Sasha's New Puppy

On Thursday the 1st of July we got a soft coated wheaton terrier.  It was born on the 11th of May.  It was very 'bitey' but the the bites didn't even hurt.  It is really soft and playful and a bit jumpy.  It is called Indy.  Lauren and Mum went to get it from a farm.  The towels smell of his Mum so we wont ever wash them.  On the first night he was woofing and woofing because he wanted to see his Mum, Dad, brothers and sisters.

Symmetrical Aliens

We read 'Aliens Love Underpants' and 'Aliens in Underpants Save the World' by Claire Freedman and then wrote a character description about one of the aliens in the books.

Then we created these symmetrical aliens in Photoshop.  We drew half the alien along a mirror line (line of symmetry) and then copied and flipped the image to create the whole alien.

Henderson's Tank

In the weekend I made a tank with bottles, a pencil and a spray can.  It has a gun at the top and caterpillar tracks to move on.  I had lots of fun making it with my sisters and brothers.
We all think Henderson did a great job using recycling materials to create a toy to play with.
Tumeke 12 have been making toys out of recycled materials too - check out all their toys by clicking here.

Michael - A Great Summerland Citizen

Michael's initiative has been recognised by the Anawhata teachers.  They awarded him a citizenship certificate for helping others when they needed it.  Great job Michael!

Hayley - Croatian Dancer

I went to the Auckland War Memorial Museum on Saturday because there was a celebration of Dalmatian cooking from Croatia.  I get dressed in my Dalmatian costume and looked at all the photos on the stand.  My Dida was in a photo.  He was cooking 28 lambs on a spit barbecue.  I did my dance with Nicholas and lots of people were watching.  We only made one mistake and I felt nervous.  It was a great day with Nana, Mummy and Dida.

Art Classes

Some lucky children in Room 6 got to do some extra art with Janet (also known as Mrs Shepherd). They think that Janet is a wonderful art teacher, the best in the world.

Thank you for showing me your secret art tricks.  Drawing cars and houses was the best thing we did.  Michael

The best thing was drawing the sky tower.  It was fun.  Thank you Mrs Shepherd for teaching us.  Louis

Thank you Mrs Shepherd for teaching me how to draw shapes and blend colours.  I have to look carefully at things and then draw them.  Henderson

Blending with paint was exciting because you can make other colours.  Thank you Mrs Shepherd for teaching me how to draw blocks.  Bradley

Hoani Waititi Marae

Thanks to Andre Morris for making this trip possible for the Anawhata and Piha pods.  We had a great time and learnt heaps.
Our thanks also go to the wonderful parents (Debbie, Jack, Judy and Mark) who supported SPS-Superstars so well - we can't provide experiences like this for our children without you.  The movie below shows a game we played that can help you learn te reo Māori.  Watch Michael and Tia go!

View the slideshow and look for kowhaiwhai, whakairo and tukutuku panels. You might even see some of us learning at the marae.