tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12428024426032506482024-03-13T13:58:12.062+13:00Miss T's ReflectionsKathryn Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08581790816548017087noreply@blogger.comBlogger133125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242802442603250648.post-45703390717831230912013-04-15T09:34:00.003+12:002013-04-15T15:17:06.425+12:00It's Monday, What Are You Reading?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It is Monday and again I am joining in the meme over at Mentor Texts.</div>
<span style="text-align: center;">Hop on over and join in over at the Mentor Text Blog. Just click on the picture </span><br />
<a href="http://www.teachmentortexts.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-3130" height="200" src="http://mistea.edublogs.org/files/2012/01/Monday-21n0n5z-150x150.png" title="Monday" width="200" /></a><br />
This last week I've been reading...<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ElwBhZp7Z-E/UWsMKIrM1jI/AAAAAAAAAsE/EyTF_hPYS1Y/s1600/Once.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ElwBhZp7Z-E/UWsMKIrM1jI/AAAAAAAAAsE/EyTF_hPYS1Y/s200/Once.jpg" width="129" /></a></div>
First in a series by Morris Gleitzman about Felix and Zelda two children caught up in World War 11 in Poland. They are on the run from the Nazis. Each chapter begins with Once....<br />
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An amazing book, while it is a horrendous read in one way it is a heart warming one as well, and I love how Gleitzman adds humour to it.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EvrcP6FLOis/UWsNJsdH6uI/AAAAAAAAAsM/qQCOg4gly3Y/s1600/Then.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EvrcP6FLOis/UWsNJsdH6uI/AAAAAAAAAsM/qQCOg4gly3Y/s200/Then.jpg" width="122" /></a></div>
Then....<br />
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I had a plan for me and Zelda<br />
Pretend to be someone else<br />
Find new parents<br />
Be safe forever <br />
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Then the Nazis came<br />
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Another amazing book in this series, it takes up immediately from Once, so I was very pleased I didn't have to wait and could start it straight away. However didn't like the ending! So sad, so shocking.<br />
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This coming week I would like to plan to read <b><span style="color: blue;">Now the third in the series by Morris Gleitzman</span></b>. However it is out at the library so I will need to wait. In the meantime I will read <b><span style="color: blue;">The Spindlers by Lauren Oliver.</span></b><br />
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Kathryn Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08581790816548017087noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242802442603250648.post-717962614868605522013-04-10T15:13:00.003+12:002013-04-10T16:25:46.210+12:00Once<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Once there was a beautiful fine autumn day and I decided to take a chair and read outside in the sunshine at morning break time and read the book <b><span style="color: blue;">Once by Morris Gleitzman.</span></b><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FTRETpHt6HQ/UWTSmGj92EI/AAAAAAAAAr0/45XgfKLj08M/s1600/RO2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FTRETpHt6HQ/UWTSmGj92EI/AAAAAAAAAr0/45XgfKLj08M/s320/RO2.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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I was interrupted a few times, I did up a five year old girl's shoes, she asked about my book, I sorted out some trouble on the playground (even though I wasn't the duty teacher - all from my chair of course) and answered the questions about what I was reading to our TA and encouraged her to read the book too.</div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;">Once by Morris Gleitzman</span></b> is a fabulous book. It is set in 1942 in Poland when the Nazis were exterminating the Jews. I've read The Diary of Anne Frank, I've read aloud to my class years ago I Am David, and I have The Book Thief sitting on my table at home for over a year waiting to be read - and because I think it is set at the same time as Once I have been avoiding it!</div>
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Inside the front cover it says:</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Once I escaped from an orphanage</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> to find Mum and Dad.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Once I saved a girl called Zelda</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> from a burning house.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Once I made a Nazi with a toothache laugh.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My name is Felix.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is my story.</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.morrisgleitzman.com/">Morris Gleitzman</a> has written an amazing story. Felix is an innocent child caught up in the evils of that time and deeply affected by them. He is courageous, responsible, innocent, imaginative an ever hopeful story teller. Zelda is a sweetheart and I love her constant refrain; "Don't you know anything?" that she says often to Felix. Their care for each other is heart warming. What a hero and heroine.</div>
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For a long time Felix doesn't realise what is actually happening until one telling sentence: "I'm glad the other kids are excited because they haven't seen what I can see now that I've wiped my glasses."</div>
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This story is a deeply heart wrenching story, yet there is humour in Gleitzman's writing as he tells the story. I am close to finishing it, but not quite. When I do finish it I will move on to the second in this series, <b><span style="color: blue;">Then</span></b>.</div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;">Do read it.</span></div>
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Kathryn Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08581790816548017087noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242802442603250648.post-4437277518021415862013-04-08T15:33:00.000+12:002013-04-08T15:33:20.782+12:00It's Monday, What Are You Reading?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It is Monday and again I am joining in the meme over at Mentor Texts.</div>
<span style="text-align: center;">Hop on over and join in over at the Mentor Text Blog. Just click on the picture </span><br />
<a href="http://www.teachmentortexts.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-3130" height="200" src="http://mistea.edublogs.org/files/2012/01/Monday-21n0n5z-150x150.png" title="Monday" width="200" /></a><br />
It took me a few weeks to finish this one below. I didn't experience a reading slump, but I was reading a few other books and they took precedence! Then I shook myself up and sat down and finished...<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZV4aoF4TkbQ/UWHTz0VI1uI/AAAAAAAAArE/4T2y1tAEvHU/s1600/Equinox+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZV4aoF4TkbQ/UWHTz0VI1uI/AAAAAAAAArE/4T2y1tAEvHU/s200/Equinox+1.jpg" width="129" /></a></div>
Title: Equinox<br />
Author Lara Morgan.<br />
2nd in The Rosie Black Chronicles Trilogy.<br />
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I enjoyed this very much again. It's set in New Perth, Australia and the main character Rosie is still at war with Helios who are still full of evil intent. We meet a new character Dalton who I liked very much, along still with Pip. So two male interests for Rosie! They all work together to outwit Helios, and this book is full of adventure and a little romance. It is nicely set up for the third and final book. Well done to this Australian author.<br />
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I was a little at a loss as to what to read next, as I am not going to read the third book in the trilogy for a few weeks. I have decided to read <b><span style="color: blue;">Once by Morris Gleitzman</span></b> which comes highly recommended by a once local librarian. So I seem to be reading Australian authors at the moment. We have it in our school library so it was a quick decision, I snagged the second one <b><span style="color: blue;">Then</span></b> as well, but that looks like all we have. However I know our local library has the others.</div>
Kathryn Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08581790816548017087noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242802442603250648.post-55624710436413180922013-03-18T17:14:00.002+13:002013-03-18T17:16:39.464+13:00It's Monday, What Are You Reading?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It is Monday and again I am joining in the meme over at Mentor Texts.</div>
<span style="text-align: center;">Hop on over and join in over at the Mentor Text Blog. Just click on the picture </span><br />
<a href="http://www.teachmentortexts.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-3130" height="200" src="http://mistea.edublogs.org/files/2012/01/Monday-21n0n5z-150x150.png" title="Monday" width="200" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aA--zwmjrM8/UUaS4I5pH6I/AAAAAAAAAps/7fYFaNYLVB4/s1600/Insurgent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aA--zwmjrM8/UUaS4I5pH6I/AAAAAAAAAps/7fYFaNYLVB4/s200/Insurgent.jpg" width="131" /></a></div>
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Insurgent<br />
Virginia Roth<br />
Second in Trilogy<br />
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Goodread's Summary<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span style="color: blue;"><i style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">One choice can transform you--or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves--and herself--while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.</i></span></span><br />
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This was a reread for me. I had listened to the audio version, but decided I really needed to read it as well to follow it and prepare myself for the third one later in the year. I enjoyed reading it, and once I got started I didn't take long. I found myself grappling with - Who is that now? I was somewhat relieved to hear one of my students say she thought she would have to go back to the first book in a trilogy she is reading because she can't remember all the bits and pieces as she moves into reading the third. I thought it was old age creeping in! There is a buzz in my class about this trilogy and someone said they heard a movie is possibly being made?<br />
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Coming up I plan to read the second book in <b>The Rosie Black Chronicles - Equinox by Lara Morgan.</b> Thankfully the third in this trilogy is published so it won't be too long before I read the third, and I only read the first a few weeks ago!<br />
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Kathryn Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08581790816548017087noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242802442603250648.post-75670015955643495072013-03-04T15:46:00.000+13:002013-03-04T15:46:25.305+13:00It's Monday, What Are You Reading?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It is Monday and again I am joining in the meme over at Mentor Texts.</div>
<span style="text-align: center;">Hop on over and join in over at the Mentor Text Blog. Just click on the picture </span><br />
<a href="http://www.teachmentortexts.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-3130" height="200" src="http://mistea.edublogs.org/files/2012/01/Monday-21n0n5z-150x150.png" title="Monday" width="200" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DAJN0GE5Sg0/UTPHoBc4NuI/AAAAAAAAApM/nuPqdZafb_c/s1600/Bigger+than+a+bread+box..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DAJN0GE5Sg0/UTPHoBc4NuI/AAAAAAAAApM/nuPqdZafb_c/s200/Bigger+than+a+bread+box..jpg" width="131" /></a></div>
Bigger Than A Breadbox<br />
Laurel Snyder.<br />
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Goodreads Summary<br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span style="color: #181818;"> </span><i><span style="color: blue;">A magical breadbox that delivers whatever you wish for—as long as it fits inside? It's too good to be true! Twelve-year-old Rebecca is struggling with her parents' separation, as well as a sudden move to her Gran's house in another state. For a while, the magic bread box, discovered in the attic, makes life away from home a little easier.</span></i></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">I loved this book I think like every other reader that has read it. I loved the characters, especially Gran who was so understanding. I loved how Rebecca learned about life and grew as a person. Her younger brother was a dear too. Great read.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">This coming week I am <b>rereading Insurgent by Veronica Roth</b>. I have listened to the audio which is really very good. However I want to read it as well to be ready for later in the year when the third one comes out. </span><br />
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Kathryn Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08581790816548017087noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242802442603250648.post-77164483176659103652013-02-23T12:27:00.001+13:002013-02-26T07:58:05.840+13:00Using ShowMe as a Teacher<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Last year as I mentioned in my previous post Antonio, a student showed me how to put a ShowMe into iMovie via an app Free Video (Video Download-iBolt Downloader & Manager). I have played around with this and made a movie about solving a subtraction problem using rounding to a tidy number and then compensating. A very quick mental strategy to use when one number is near a tidy number.<br />
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However there are some students who are very slow to grasp how easy it is. I thought if I had a video they could watch that may help. Previously they might have looked at a modelling book, although I never was satisfied with these as groups changed and .... well maybe I didn't make them work that well for me. A wiki with videos of work covered makes more sense to me.<br />
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Some of the students made ShowMe videos last year, and they worked well, but Antonio took it up a notch with his presentation. I decided before I sent students off to do it this year, I needed to experience it myself.<br />
As I did the ShowMe presentation I found that I had to<b> be prepared, </b>I found it best to do some writing before I pushed record. I also found it was very important to watch the video through before the save, to notice any errors. I had a number of tries before I was reasonably satisfied.<br />
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After making this movie, I have thought that while I will continue to make more of these presentations, I will also have students make similar ones to show their understanding. When making my next video I will only show one problem, and add in a section showing it with materials. (The beauty of putting it in iMovie). I will then leave a problem for the student to solve and gather materials to show me their thinking. They can then make their own ShowMe to add to our collection.<br />
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I am working on in my own teaching finding ways that will make a difference to the tail in Maths in my classroom so this will be a step into that inquiry. Does it make a difference?<br />
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Here is my first presentation that I worked on, the next time it will have the changes I mention above.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="215" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/c7TlD9wB-Cc?rel=0" width="460"></iframe><br />
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If you would like to see how I downloaded the ShowMe presentation so that I could place it in iMovie you can see that<a href="http://miskaytea.blogspot.co.nz/2013/02/use-show-me-free-video-and-imovie.html"><b><span style="color: magenta;"> here in my previous post</span></b>.</a><br />
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If you have other ideas for using ShowMe with students I would love to hear them.</div>
Kathryn Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08581790816548017087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242802442603250648.post-7209804533942128412013-02-23T11:50:00.000+13:002013-02-26T07:57:03.435+13:00Use Show Me, Free Video and iMovie on your iPad.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Last year Antonio, one of my students showed me how to use the Free Video app to download a ShowMe presentation and then place it in iMovie and add to it and edit. At the time I thought this was a good idea as sometimes sites close and I might lose my ShowMe videos. I also liked that you could make it look just a little slicker in presentation. ShowMe and the Free Video app are free (Video Download iBolt Downloader and Manager), iMovie you pay for but it is well worth it. <br />
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<li>Make your ShowMe presentation. I found this took me awhile, as I made a number of mistakes and only saw them when I played it back. </li>
<li>ShowMe emails you your presentation link when it is saved. Copy this link.</li>
<li>Open the Free Video App. <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_AtOxAwxRQ4/USfuQlui89I/AAAAAAAAAoM/G6TjBAgqbJU/s1600/Free+video+app.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="100" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_AtOxAwxRQ4/USfuQlui89I/AAAAAAAAAoM/G6TjBAgqbJU/s200/Free+video+app.png" width="102" /></a></li>
<li>When this is open you will see something like this. Except until you download something the shelves will be blank! Notice the position of the slide to the left. You are going to slide this up to paste in your ShowMe link.</li>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RTobmH2oEoI/USfvqNaT3bI/AAAAAAAAAoU/ar_d9b6lpcI/s1600/Downloaded_in_downloads.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RTobmH2oEoI/USfvqNaT3bI/AAAAAAAAAoU/ar_d9b6lpcI/s320/Downloaded_in_downloads.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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When you have the slide up it will now look like this.</div>
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Press Go on the iPad keyboard and you will then be taken to your ShowMe presentation. Which will begin to load in like this.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wna0tgMVSQo/USfzg3IrJ3I/AAAAAAAAAok/XLhfW3rsEwA/s1600/show+me+link+activiates.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="78" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wna0tgMVSQo/USfzg3IrJ3I/AAAAAAAAAok/XLhfW3rsEwA/s200/show+me+link+activiates.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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Until it is fully loaded.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hkWSFcEJkPk/USfz2u8xKlI/AAAAAAAAAos/41QQzSHOSsY/s1600/Play_show_me.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hkWSFcEJkPk/USfz2u8xKlI/AAAAAAAAAos/41QQzSHOSsY/s320/Play_show_me.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Press the play button and it will ask you to Cache Video to Memory, press that and it will automatically begin to download.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IoJhxPJVFDg/USf0JXQgNqI/AAAAAAAAAo0/CL89WnFicjA/s1600/Cache+video.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IoJhxPJVFDg/USf0JXQgNqI/AAAAAAAAAo0/CL89WnFicjA/s320/Cache+video.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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When it has downloaded it will appear on your shelf.</div>
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The final step is just to press on the video and choose save to camera roll. </div>
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When you open up iMovie you are able to pick it up from your camera roll and insert it into your iMovie time line. You can then add a title, music, other pictures and video as you wish.</div>
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Kathryn Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08581790816548017087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242802442603250648.post-29941903687249072062013-02-18T18:50:00.002+13:002013-02-18T20:20:05.548+13:00Innovation - An Art and Discipline I Can Learn.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I have often thought that innovation in education was something out there, big, and that it was beyond me. Now, after spending a workshop day with <a href="http://www.simonbreakspear.com/"><b>Simon Breakspear</b> </a>-<br />
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<li>I think that innovation happens to answer the local challenges of a local people and it happens with the people involved. </li>
<li>I think that innovation is doable - by me. Innovation can be a small step - a minimal viable product, that is tried and then reiterated, through various stages until I hit discovery and success. I can start tomorrow. Innovation is an art and discipline that I can learn.</li>
<li>Innovation includes collaboration and sharing. People working together are going to create greater innovation and success.</li>
<li>Failure is an invitation to innovation. Failure is a part of innovation. Fail forward. Expect to fall into the 'hole' and keep going through it to success.</li>
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So this is what I learned today or should I say heard today! Learning it into activity will be a process. The following ideas while taken from Simon Breakspear during today are his, they do not fully cover what he said nor does it accurately record what he said. It is just what I heard and wrote down. There will be errors! Do not attribute those errors to Simon Breakspear - those are mine!</div>
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<li>Be open-minded - defer judgement and encourage wild ideas. (Be disruptive)</li>
<li>Foster collaboration - build on the ideas of others, be open to cross pollination.</li>
<li>Be a lifelong kindergartener - find out by doing, have the attitude of play and say, "I'll tell you what it is when I am finished."</li>
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<a href="http://www.wylio.com/credits/flickr/2590300141" title="license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/ - click to view more info about 'June 18th 'Holly's hands'' or find free 'painted hand' pictures via Wylio"><img alt="'June 18th 'Holly's hands'' photo (c) 2008, Amanda Slater - license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/" height="300" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KZno4w86ifU/USG_AeLFW6I/AAAAAAAAAn8/6AJWZ1nXxPs/Flickr-2590300141.jpg" style="float: none; margin: 10px auto;" width="336" /></a></div>
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Think of 21st century competencies and skills in:</div>
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<li>the cognitive domain</li>
<li>the interpersonal domain </li>
<li>the intrapersonal domain.</li>
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For example in the last mentioned domain one skill might have to do with resilience. How do I as an educator develop resilience in my students? Grit?</div>
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Simon Breakspear went on to list and discuss 7 strategies for innovation.</div>
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<li><b>Provocatively question the status quo. </b>Be bold, big and unreasonable. Know your compelling mission. We exist to.......... and then specify the question/challenge to be solved that needs to be articulated, sub-divided, and then minimal viable products of innovation begun.</li>
<li><b>Embrace pedagogy for deep learning. </b>He asked us to think of one powerful learning experience for ourselves and then to see if we could list what was an essential part of that learning. Our core business of learning and teaching we need to have an unrelenting focus on. How can the teacher be an activator of learning?</li>
<li><b>Harness human centred design. </b>Design for people, this staff, these students. Aim for simplexity. Simple things which can be difficult to get right.</li>
<li><b>Give permission through conditions. </b>Have a culture where it is okay to be 'disruptive', fail, share, be creative, question. Welcome diversity, be open to other disciplines outside education.</li>
<li><b>Launch, Learn, Reiterate.</b> Ask what are the minimum set of features that you need in order to start the process of feedback and discovery. It can be something small and you can start tomorrow. What could be your/mine MVP? Make it as specific as possible. Get going, be prepared to fail, fail fast, fail forward. Ask what did I/we learn from that? Success and failure are not polar opposites. Have a propensity towards action.</li>
<li><b>Build a network of lab schools. </b>"Competition is so late '90's". Collaborate, collaborate.</li>
<li><b>Unashamedly seek out disruptive innovations. </b> He gave some pointers on this, it was a bit rushed as it neared the end, but in a way self explanatory from the day itself. He mentioned seek out free content, use learning analytics that are available say in Maths, use social sites e.g. Edmodo, think of how to harness mobile devices and learning platforms. (But am very hazy on that last one, maybe my colleagues who came with me (2 others) will be able to fill me in on that gap.)</li>
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He quoted A. Curnow - "Simply by sailing in a new direction, you can enlarge the world."</div>
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The biggest take-away for me today was, "Start tomorrow, with some small step."</div>
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Today has been very timely as I formulate my goals for this year for my own learning and the outcomes I seek for my students' learning. I have some basic ideas of where I want my inquiry to go. Not literacy this time - although I am sure I could think a good case up for further exploration. However my area of launch. learn and reiterate will I think be in the area of Maths. Especially with those students who make slow progress. Also three of us were at the workshop today. I am looking forward to collaborating with them as we redefine our mission and where we want our school to.... yes innovate!<br />
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I am inspired!<br />
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<iframe src="http://blip.tv/play/hOI0gt2%2BVgI.x?p=1" width="420" height="333" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://a.blip.tv/api.swf#hOI0gt2+VgI" style="display:none"></embed>Kathryn Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08581790816548017087noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242802442603250648.post-7084411829505036732013-02-18T16:47:00.000+13:002013-02-18T16:47:22.831+13:00It's Monday, What Are You Reading?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It is Monday and again I am joining in the meme over at Mentor Texts.</div>
<span style="text-align: center;">Hop on over and join in over at the Mentor Text Blog. Just click on the picture </span><br />
<a href="http://www.teachmentortexts.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-3130" height="200" src="http://mistea.edublogs.org/files/2012/01/Monday-21n0n5z-150x150.png" title="Monday" width="200" /></a><br />
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The Rosie Black Chronicles: Genesis<br />
By Lara Morgan (Australian author)<br />
Walker Books:2010<br />
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Summary from Goodreads.<br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Five hundred years into the future, the world is a different place. The Melt has sunk most of the coastal cities and Newperth is divided into the haves, the “Centrals”; the have-nots, the “Bankers”; and the fringe dwellers, the “Ferals”.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Rosie Black is a Banker. When Rosie finds an unusual box, she has no idea of the grave consequences of her discovery. A mysterious organisation wants it – and will kill to get it.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Forced to rely on two strangers, Rosie is on the run. But who can she trust? Pip, the too attractive Feral, or the secretive man he calls boss?</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">This is a YA dystopian science fiction book, full of action and adventure. While it begins on Earth, it moves to outer space and Mars. It was recommended to me by one of my students. It is the first of a trilogy and I will definitely read Equinox the next one very soon. I think the third still not have been published. If students have enjoyed The Hunger Games or Divergent they will like this one. I would say it is intended for slightly younger readers than those two books, however all ages will enjoy it. A book I am happy to share with my Year 7 and 8 class.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">This coming week I will be reading <b>Bigger than a Bread Box by Laurel Snyder.</b></span><br />
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Kathryn Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08581790816548017087noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242802442603250648.post-17443990361660018512013-02-14T17:49:00.001+13:002013-02-15T08:14:26.374+13:00Finding my Feet.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
We have been back at school almost three weeks. Twelve days to be exact as each of the weeks has been four days. Tomorrow we are off to the Waikane Pools as a school. That surely counts as a four day week!<br />
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I believe the class is settling down. I think I have almost 'let go' last year's class and begun to enjoy the ones I am with! I only have 25 of them. I think that makes a difference, I would imagine that 30 going towards 35 would take be a challenge for me, so 25 is a very nice number. I am still trying to catch up with commenting and responding to student writing. This week we had a visit from ERO (Education Review Office) and while it is an advantage to have it completed, it did leave me feeling like I just couldn't catch up with all I wanted to achieve.<br />
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In the last three weeks I have been able to manage to have <a href="http://www.thedailycafe.com/">Daily Five</a> or in our case Daily Three up and running. We have now reached the point where students are making choices each day and it is running smoothly. I still have not settled into conferencing or taking groups. Rather I am roaming and checking in with students. At present they are in goal setting mode, and when they choose writing some of them are writing goals. I am spending some time chatting with them about the goals if they are choosing to write them during Literacy time. It may be another week before I start conferring or working with groups. Although testing will loom in Week 6 at the beginning of March and disrupt some of them momentum.<br />
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We have opted to introduce BYOD this year. We had a rocky start as the wireless network was not up and running. However Norcom now have this operational and about 5 or 6 of the class are bringing in their own devices. This is great as it supplements the computers we have as a class. One student is working on her iPod touch. In fact she produced a really great video last week that took a session of planning and a session of videoing and then editing. Simone took her own photos, personally I just love the one she snapped of Kapiti Island. It is one of my favourite views. <br />
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While we didn't really make iPod touches an option, I can see that the latest one takes very clear photos and has possibilities. I noticed today the owner of the iPod had borrowed another student's wireless keyboard, and was working with it and the iPod touch.<br />
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We are working with Google Docs and I think this will work well. We have Teacher Dashboard set up, I am still exploring this, and as the year goes by hope to incorporate this more and more into my interaction with students.<br />
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This week as I mentioned above, we had ERO in our school. They were very pleasant and professional gentlemen. However I think the one that came into my room was somewhat nonplussed. I was showing my class how to put an image on their blog and to do that correctly using creative commons. Somewhere along the line I mentioned digital citizenship. Later at a meeting I attended he asked where did the idea of digital citizenship come from, was it a word I coined! <br />
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Later that evening I decided I had misheard. This morning I checked with the other staff member who had been at the meeting. She confirmed that what I thought I had heard was what she heard too! I can only say I am still struggling to comprehend this. Even though I have only been to one elearning conference in my life - Ulearn 11, I would have thought that ERO would surely be keeping up with this aspect of ICT? I am still thinking I misunderstood. Surely!<br />
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Kathryn Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08581790816548017087noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242802442603250648.post-10194338566597863642013-02-11T17:26:00.000+13:002013-02-11T17:26:31.946+13:00It's Monday, What Are You Reading?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It is Monday and again I am joining in the meme over at Mentor Texts.</div>
<span style="text-align: center;">Hop on over and join in over at the Mentor Text Blog. Just click on the picture </span><br />
<a href="http://www.teachmentortexts.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-3130" height="200" src="http://mistea.edublogs.org/files/2012/01/Monday-21n0n5z-150x150.png" title="Monday" width="200" /></a><br />
It has taken me a few weeks to get a book read! Back to school has meant being busy and a fuzzy tired head by the time I have some down time to read.<br />
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The 10 PM Question<br />
Kate de Goldi (NZ author)<br />
Longacre Press 2008<br />
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<u>Summary from Goodreads:</u><br />
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">A warm, surprising, real and intelligent novel you will fall in love with. Frankie Parsons is twelve and has a rodent voice of worry nibbling in his head. His new friend - colourful, creative, talkative Sydney - has relentless, unavoidable questions of her own that force Frankie and his family to face up to things that have lain dormant for years.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">This book was well written and worth reading. Frankie reminded me a little of myself with his 'rodent voice of worry'. Also I am partial to a happy ever after, as is Frankie and he doesn't get that. However family secrets do eventually get explored. That was satisfying and did mean that in another way Frankie did grow as he began to front up to the realities of his life. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">While he is a twelve year old, I still have to decide whether I put this in class library. At the moment I am leaning towards the not. I'd rather students read it in a couple of years and fully appreciate it. I will lend it to a teacher friend who knows this age group and get her opinion before finally deciding.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">At present I am reading The Rosie Black Chronicles: Genesis, by Lara Morgan. (Australian author). More about this when I have finished reading it. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">As professional reading I have Book Love by Penny Kittle on the go. About half way through and enjoying it.</span></span><br />
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Kathryn Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08581790816548017087noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242802442603250648.post-89125922585457032942013-01-31T18:19:00.001+13:002013-01-31T18:19:51.996+13:00Highs and Lows of the First Week Back 2013<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
As I read to my class after lunch, I noticed some yawns and heavy eyes. No, I don't think my reading is that bad, and the book - One For The Murphys - is proving a good choice. It's rather that the first week is always a big week. Everything is new, new people, new procedures and plus there is that heat. Every door and window is open, and the noise that the trucks make as they regularly and monotonously drone by all adds up by the end of the day.<br />
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At the moment we are all needing to draw on whatever resilience we have to meet the challenges. Resilience is a catch word in our class this week, it is our first word wall word. I am hearing stories of our 2012 Year 8 class who are now at secondary school and I would think they are needing to draw on their resilience in big doses. I remember we are all facing challenges and that gives me the motivation to hope for myself...<br />
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As I myself am having to do the draw on my reserves of resilience. Seems to be a slightly empty well at the moment. There are highs and lows. The highs get me through the lows. Then there are the humourous moments too when I find I am just not present to what I am doing. I am unable to multi task. I have always held that I can't, although a student teacher who spent some time with me argued differently! I personally think multi tasking is over rated and not something I value anyway!<br />
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This was the date I put up for the first day! When I later in the morning asked students to date their books, their were howls of protest. They informed me I was taking 6 years off their lives! Where was my mind I wonder when I wrote that.</div>
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Today I was doing some Quickwrites with them, giving them a minute to write and then counting the words. All went well until the final Quickwrite, when I went into a dream, I know where I was this time.</div>
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I was thinking about how well Read to Self had gone earlier in the morning and was feeling rather pleased. I was brought back to earth when I heard my name called a second time, my students had realised they had gone well over a minute, and that I was a very unreliable timekeeper. Another laugh and forget counting the words!</div>
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Today a couple of students were writing up on a google doc a class covenant that we had worked on over the last few days. They were now drafting it up for class approval. They shared it with me and I put it up on the large screen. After we had discussed the words I asked them to bullet point part of it. A couple of dismayed faces a few minutes later and some giggles, they had lost the whole document. I only know some things, not all things about google docs. I said to them I know there are drafts kept somewhere but I don't know where, let's try Help! We retrieved the document and we learned something new. However it was a bit of a tangent.</div>
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We are using google docs with the students this year, and so while some students who worked with me know how to log on, most had not worked with them. So I demonstrated how to do it, and sent them of in 2's and 3's to practice. I can say by the end of time that was achieved, however it was the first time we had really used the computers this year and there were some hiccups and passwords forgotten... etc., etc. Meanwhile some of the students had finished and ..... became noisy and boisterous. I had to stop and refocus them. Self management is another key word this week. I am so missing my self managing students from 2012. I haven't had to teacher manage for a long time. This is all a little bit of a culture shock. I know we will get there, but I'm finding it exhausting as I juggle them and all the other demands on my time. </div>
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Another pleasant part of the day was when a 2012 student turned up to say hello to me and some of the Year 8 students who had been in the class with her last year. It was really exciting to hear all the excellent opportunities she is being introduced to at college. </div>
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As she stands beside me I realise she is as tall or even taller than myself. Some of my present students tower over me. Oh well, all in the name of progress. However, note to self I must not keep looking back at my 2012 class, I need to 'love' the class I am with. It will come.</div>
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Today was Sahara's birthday. She had brought in a beautiful birthday cake. While I was cutting and handing it out, behind me, a 12 year old boy hugs another for saying he could have his slice of cake, and he knocks yoghurt flying all over another and the carpet. I passed back a couple of paper towels and they cleaned up. After morning tea break more talk about cause, effect and consequences, and 'accidents'. I suspect with the make up of some of the students this is going to be a prolonged learning event, will it take a term? a year? Ouch, I am not sure.</div>
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Reflecting on all this I know I am going to need to slow down, I am so eager to get things flowing and a great learning environment happening. I need to be patient and build for as long as it takes. I know once the Daily Five structure is up and running fully it will certainly help to build those on task, self management skills. Thank goodness for it. My mind is going - "and you haven't even started Maths yet". I say back, "be quiet and let me get there when I can".</div>
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Kathryn Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08581790816548017087noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242802442603250648.post-26670116114493617812013-01-21T11:47:00.001+13:002013-01-21T11:47:50.800+13:00It's Monday, What Are You Reading?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It is Monday and again I am joining in the meme over at Mentor Texts.</div>
<span style="text-align: center;">Hop on over and join in over at the Mentor Text Blog. Just click on the picture </span><br />
<a href="http://www.teachmentortexts.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-3130" height="200" src="http://mistea.edublogs.org/files/2012/01/Monday-21n0n5z-150x150.png" title="Monday" width="200" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-goBFea3rv2w/UPxvgKtzevI/AAAAAAAAAkU/3f5-qxAwEw4/s1600/Little+Brother.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-goBFea3rv2w/UPxvgKtzevI/AAAAAAAAAkU/3f5-qxAwEw4/s200/Little+Brother.jpg" width="131" /></a></div>
Little Brother<br />
Cory Doctorow<br />
Harper Collins 2008.<br />
Science Fiction: cyberpunk.<br />
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This book was recommended by one of my students. On reading it I thought it was a book for someone older than a 13 year old. However I think said student would have followed it, understood it, at least as well as myself!<br />
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I checked it out from our local library. I noticed on the inside cover that it had been presented to the library by Amnesty International NZ in 2008.<br />
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This is the story of Marcus who finds he is caught up in a terrorist attack, in the wrong place at the wrong time. He is taken prisoner and subjected to torture. When he is finally released he finds the USA is paranoid and the Homeland Security have taken over. It's a police state and every movement is monitored. He has been told to never tell anyone about how he was treated while imprisoned or he will be dealt with. <br />
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Marcus is one of those small people who stand up and do something. He is cyber literate, and is able to organise a fight back. As a character I loved him.<br />
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I didn't understand all the cyber stuff, but just enough to be able to follow the story. It was a gripping story, one I had to read slowly to follow, but well worth it. A book to make one think.<br />
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Diary of a Wimpy Kid<br />
Jeff Kinney<br />
Puffin 2007<br />
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I am probably the only one that hadn't read this! However last year I bought the most recent one for the class, I thought it might hook in some reluctant readers.<br />
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I was surprised when some of my top readers fell on it with glee. They had read all the previous ones. They assured me a reader should start at the beginning, so I went back and bought the first four. I'm hoping they will be book bait!<br />
This was a quick and fun read, I can see why they are appealing and I chuckled my way through it.<br />
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This coming week I am reading <b>The 10 pm Question by Kate de Goldi,</b> a New Zealand author. It's been out awhile but I read about it somewhere and as I have sampled her writing with some other book I don't even remember, apart from the fact I liked it, I bought this book with some Christmas gift vouchers from a student.<br />
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Kathryn Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08581790816548017087noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242802442603250648.post-2508299432689938782013-01-14T17:10:00.001+13:002013-01-14T17:11:22.957+13:00It's Monday, What Are You Reading?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It is Monday and again I am joining in the meme over at Mentor Texts.</div>
<span style="text-align: center;">Hop on over and join in over at the Mentor Text Blog. Just click on the picture </span><br />
<a href="http://www.teachmentortexts.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-3130" height="200" src="http://mistea.edublogs.org/files/2012/01/Monday-21n0n5z-150x150.png" title="Monday" width="200" /></a><br />
This past week I read:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X_zayNAYCus/UPOArPGkF9I/AAAAAAAAAh0/RsKJ0sMCo2Y/s1600/Guitar+H+R.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X_zayNAYCus/UPOArPGkF9I/AAAAAAAAAh0/RsKJ0sMCo2Y/s200/Guitar+H+R.jpg" width="134" /></a></div>
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Guitar Highway Rose<br />
Brigid Lowry<br />
This edition 2004<br />
First Published 1997<br />
Teen Realistic Fiction<br />
Setting: Western coast of Australia.<br />
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<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Firstly I was recommended to read this book by an 11 year old student of mine. It was her top book for 2012. Upon reading it, I loved it, however I did think perhaps 13 years and up would be a more suitable age. Miss 11 year old is a sophisticated reader and I could actually imagine her writing just such a creative and quirky book in a few years time, so I think the exception rather than the rule here.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">This book has a seemingly ordinary plot, although a few surprises towards the end had me engaged to the finish. It is not the plot however that makes this book, rather it is the characters and the way in which the story is told. A wide mix of writing forms are used, at first I found it a little disconcerting, but I was soon loving it. Imagine this whole paragraph with out a capital or full stop. Every teacher's dread usually! There were paragraphs like this, taking the reader into the head of a 15 year old boy, and it worked. Other forms are diary, streams of consciousness, poetry, police notes..... and so it goes on. The reader is taken into conversations and characters minds and feelings, hopes, nightmares. In this way the story is told.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Middle School is Worse Than Meatloaf: A Year Told Through Stuff.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Jennifer L. Holm.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Published 2011.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Graphic Novel.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">It will be interesting to see what my students make of this. They may find the handwriting a little disconcerting as we don't use that here in New Zealand, although it was taught here when I went to school. Now it is one that has no loops etc. That's when we do teach it!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">I liked the Dad in this story and when Ginny gets a mention for her science fair work on the brain, despite the dog eating it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">I have also started a book called <b>Little Brother by Cory Doctorow,</b> a science fiction - cyberpunk book. As I am about a quarter way through this will probably be my reading for the coming week. Again this was a book recommended by one of my students as her top book for the year. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Happy reading to all for the week coming.</span></span><br />
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Kathryn Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08581790816548017087noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242802442603250648.post-60714846385945167922013-01-07T09:31:00.002+13:002013-01-07T09:31:40.638+13:00It's Monday, What Are You Reading?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It is Monday and again I am joining in the meme over at Mentor Texts.</div>
<span style="text-align: center;">Hop on over and join in over at the Mentor Text Blog. Just click on the picture </span><br />
<a href="http://www.teachmentortexts.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-3130" height="200" src="http://mistea.edublogs.org/files/2012/01/Monday-21n0n5z-150x150.png" title="Monday" width="200" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-THaL2aYFKb4/UOnbv26SlrI/AAAAAAAAAgg/ixS05ixxXRE/s1600/the+recruit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-THaL2aYFKb4/UOnbv26SlrI/AAAAAAAAAgg/ixS05ixxXRE/s200/the+recruit.jpg" width="130" /></a></div>
This week I read<b><span style="color: blue;"> The Recruit, by British writer Robert Muchamore</span></b>, the first in the Cherub series, which was first published in about 2005. I read this because I noticed a few of my boys were into this series. They have now left my class and I wondered was this a series to push for boy readers coming into my class this year?<br />
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Simple answer, yes. It has action, adventure and spy missions. I would label it in the 'easy' reading sphere in terms of reading ability needed. A little like the Anthony Horowitz series, which is similar 'easy' reading. It will hook in boys. There are a lot more in the series, with a second related series.<br />
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I would love to know of any similar 'easy' reading that is totally engrossing for girls. Surprisingly enough, I have a few girls I really need to 'hook in' to reading.<br />
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These holidays I seem to be reading books recommended by my students. Having read a few posts this week about putting on your door what you are reading, I am looking forward to putting up on my classroom door what I read in the holidays and who recommended me to read them.<br />
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So this week I will be reading <b><span style="color: blue;">Guitar Highway Rose by Brigid Lowry</span></b>, a New Zealand born author. This book is recommended to me by Simone, who is a very wide ranging reader, who is total nerd when it comes to reading! And I might add a talented musician, artist and writer! <br />
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Kathryn Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08581790816548017087noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242802442603250648.post-53495755118444099732013-01-02T10:39:00.001+13:002013-01-03T11:40:49.062+13:00One Word for 2013<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I was reminded by a post on a blog I read to set a word for 2013. Many people set a word rather than a resolution or goals for the year. A word is easy to remember, and it actually can encompass a wide range in your life.<br />
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My word for 2013 is:<br />
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And a quote from R Brault:<!--[endif]--></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>"Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realise they were the big things."</i></span></div>
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So here is to appreciating everything in my life, rather than passing by without noticing, or reading hastily without taking the time to appreciate the time it has taken this author to write this book. While I greedily assimilate another book an author may be struggling to make ends meet. I only thought about this when I read a post by an author I read, she has many successful books but she is finding it hard. I guess authors make very little from every book read. Its all the other people involved that make money perhaps.</div>
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To appreciate what I have especially the little things. I know I do appreciate many little things and savour them, especially what children sometimes say. However in 2013 I seek to appreciate it all more deeply and relish it. And last but not least to appreciate myself, rather than compare myself to others and find myself lacking. </div>
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2013 A very happy year to all.<br />
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Thank you to <a href="http://teacherdance.blogspot.co.nz/">Linda at Teacher Dance</a> who suggested this poem, I am<a href="http://www.elabs7.com/functions/message_view.html?mid=1657016&mlid=499&siteid=20130&uid=3764bbaae9"> linking it here</a> so I can access it easily.</div>
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Kathryn Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08581790816548017087noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242802442603250648.post-16331031940643472012-12-31T15:59:00.000+13:002013-01-07T09:15:49.074+13:00Its Monday, What are you Reading?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It is Monday and again I am joining in the meme over at Mentor Texts.</div>
<span style="text-align: center;">Hop on over and join in over at the Mentor Text Blog. Just click on the picture </span><br />
<a href="http://www.teachmentortexts.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-3130" height="200" src="http://mistea.edublogs.org/files/2012/01/Monday-21n0n5z-150x150.png" title="Monday" width="200" /></a><br />
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And so the final post of the year 2012.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bXrO65BJrPI/UODqnq-ZnRI/AAAAAAAAAeI/H5FqJDEeGJ4/s1600/Murphys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bXrO65BJrPI/UODqnq-ZnRI/AAAAAAAAAeI/H5FqJDEeGJ4/s200/Murphys.jpg" width="138" /></a></div>
This week I read One For the Murphys by Lynda Mullaly Hunt. Oh my, what a wonderful book. What a story, that could just so pull at my heartstrings. Did I need tissues? Yes. A very special book to end the year on. I began it with Okay for Now by Gary Schmidt and I end it with this one. As it happens for me, the two best of the year.<br />
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Plan for this week, something a little less draining! So, I am going to read The Recruit by Robert Muchamore. The very first in the Cherub series. Two of the boys in my class this year highly recommend this series, so I need to taste it so that I can steer others in the class towards it.</div>
Kathryn Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08581790816548017087noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242802442603250648.post-26611487380988250602012-12-30T14:51:00.001+13:002012-12-30T14:51:03.556+13:00My Reading 2012<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The year is coming to a close and it is time to look back on 2012. This was my first year of really making an effort to read some books that my students might be reading or could read. Why did I never do this before I ask myself? The books are excellent and it has made a difference to the way we view books in our classroom. There are already very independent book worms in my classroom, but others have began to come on board. I have more of a feel for what might suit a particular student.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IcQgm5Vtbss/UN-X9zjqwuI/AAAAAAAAAc4/t9_6qjPN3wQ/s1600/2012_book_stats.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="81" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IcQgm5Vtbss/UN-X9zjqwuI/AAAAAAAAAc4/t9_6qjPN3wQ/s400/2012_book_stats.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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I achieved my goal of 75 books read for the year. I would have been happy with 52, one for each week of the year, but some graphic novels were speedily read. I will be setting 52 for 2013, I like to read adult books as well and am aiming for 100 in that field, so I need to be realistic with middle grade and YA books.<br />
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On Kevin Hodgson's blog I noticed he had pulled up the stats for his reading over the year. I only started at Goodreads for my children's and YA books this year, but have had a separate one for last three years for my other reading. ( Makes for a split personality at times, but I like to link with students on Goodreads with my 'teacher' account.) Anyway I pulled up the stats and it was a bit of fun to look back over the year in that way.<br />
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I chose to clip a part that Okay for Now by Gary Schmidt on top, because that is the book I really love and remember with my heart the most from this year's reading, Loved it. </div>
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I could even see how many pages I had read! 16 787</div>
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It might not be as many pages as others, it doesn't matter, I am happy to do this much, plus by the end of the day I will have 224 pages to add to it from my final book of the year. It's coming in very close to Okay For Now, which I began the year with, so One For the Murphys is right up there too.</div>
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Finally a look at the years in which the books were published that I read. I have some early dates because I did manage to get about 18 of the Newbery award books read.</div>
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The books have been very rewarding to read. As a teacher I enjoyed some of the comments on the Christmas cards that I received from my students, which showed they 'got' that I was reading.</div>
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A student who hates to be without a book wrote on the card, "<span style="color: magenta;">from one book lover to another</span>".</div>
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A student who has finally started to enjoy reading in 2012 ( have taught her for three years) wrote in the card, " <span style="color: magenta;">Don't wary I won't stop reading in the holidays</span>." and finally a student who I haven't been able to entice into a love of reading even though she can easily read says, "<span style="color: magenta;">I will do<u> some </u> Reading in the holidays when I can</span>." </div>
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I love the books and I love the students, so until 2013........ when it begins all over again.</div>
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Kathryn Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08581790816548017087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242802442603250648.post-5243423045333457902012-12-24T15:42:00.004+13:002012-12-24T15:42:51.658+13:00It's Monday, What are You Reading?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It is Monday and again I am joining in the meme over at Mentor Texts.</div>
<span style="text-align: center;">Hop on over and join in over at the Mentor Text Blog. Just click on the picture </span><br />
<a href="http://www.teachmentortexts.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-3130" height="200" src="http://mistea.edublogs.org/files/2012/01/Monday-21n0n5z-150x150.png" title="Monday" width="200" /></a><br />
This week I read<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pjtacVc2TdY/UNe9RI3U8OI/AAAAAAAAAaA/-NmAvOVJqmc/s1600/Leviathan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pjtacVc2TdY/UNe9RI3U8OI/AAAAAAAAAaA/-NmAvOVJqmc/s200/Leviathan.jpg" width="125" /></a></div>
Leviathan by Scott Westerfield. This was my first ever from the Science Fiction steampunk genre. At the beginning of the year I didn't even know that steampunk existed!<br />
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This book was recommended to me by one of my students, Monique, who was very enthusiastic about it. The first two chapters I was beginning to wonder, then I saw a note from katsok on Goodreads under this book, saying she had taken a couple of chapters to get into it. Great little comment, because it encouraged me to keep going and I did enjoy it very much. Lots of action and adventure. I can see that some of my other students would enjoy it too. I am putting it on my list as a possible read aloud to the class for 2013. Will only not do that if something better comes along to take its place.<br />
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For the coming week all the books I want to read are out at the local library so I think I will start with One For the Murphys by Lynda Mullaly Hunt. I have seen many positive comments about this book so I am looking forward to it. Lots of 5 stars from the readers I follow on Goodreads, and I see Donalyn Miller recommends tissues!<br />
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Being Christmas Eve - and a sweltering hot day here on the Kapiti Coast in New Zealand, I wish you all the blessings of the Christmas season. By the way a bit of snow just sounds heavenly at the moment!<br />
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Kathryn Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08581790816548017087noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242802442603250648.post-40701047454942739492012-12-22T17:11:00.000+13:002012-12-22T17:11:24.731+13:00An End of an Era<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Last week our school year ended and I said good-bye to my class, with tears expressing the sadness I felt because the Year 8 part of the class would be moving on to secondary school. Now of course that is an event to celebrate as well. So it was with mixed feelings that I said good-bye. What an awesome set of students. <br />
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The Year 8 students, most of them, had been with me as Year 5's when we started out on our class blogging journey. Among them were a group of boys who went against the general trend. They loved to read, they were enthusiastic about learning. They were complemented by a wonderful set of girls. I couldn't believe my good fortune back in 2009 and from then to now, it's been a joy to teach and learn along with them. <br />
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In 2010 I moved up with them and continued to do so. We were joined by a year below them, who also happened to be keen learners as well. They all got on very well together and by 2012 the present Yr 7's were sad to see them go.<br />
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As 2012 moved forward the Year 8's continued to grow and become even more. Some of them began to hone their leadership skills, they happily collaborated with each other on many projects. They accepted whatever was going on, and I never heard a moan about anything. They just got on and did it. If someone did have a bone to pick, they did so individually and respectfully with me. Perhaps pointing out where they thought there was a lack of fairness, or as one student pointed out - you do have your favourites! We were able to talk it through and come to an acceptable solution. <br />
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As the year came to a close there was a lack of Year 8 hijinks in the playground from both classes of Year 8's. Usually at that time of the year they get a little big for their boots! Not so this year, their energy was channelled into positive activities. What a blessing they have been.<br />
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In the classroom I felt so relaxed with them, I never had to be worried about 'managing' them. The managed themselves. The Yr 8's along with the Year 6's and 7's mainly got along well together. Once however, I noticed a Year 6 mucking about and throwing a bit of a sulk. The other boys at the table just picked up their work and split to various parts of the room to get completed what had been assigned.<br />
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Almost the whole class were eager to learn, completed work well and needed very little hassling. They were kind, generous, courteous and fun loving. While they were quite happy to cooperate with each other they were also competitive, especially when out playing sport. As the year ended, and the weather was beautiful, we would go out for a game of rounders. Everyone got involved, there were no half-hearted participants. The skills of throwing, catching, fielding were a pleasure to watch.<br />
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I could turn to these students, throw some challenge at them and they could pick it up and run with it. Some of them were highly skilled with ICT and we learned so much off each other. More and more I could leave it to them to upskill each other and I could get on with other things. <br />
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I loved teaching my class during 2012, and I thank especially the wonderful Year 8 section of it. I will miss them, although I do know it is time for them to take the next step in their journey in life. <br />
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<div><object width="480" height="360"><param name="movie" value="http://pf.kizoa.com/sflite.swf?did=3747858&k=6114180"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://pf.kizoa.com/sflite.swf?did=3747858&k=6114180" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="480" height="360" allowFullScreen="true"></embed></object><br /><a href="http://www.kizoa.com/slideshow/d3747858k6114180o2/all-yr-8s-2012"><b>All Yr 8's 2012</b></a> - <i><a href="http://www.kizoa.com">slideshow with music</a></i></div>Kathryn Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08581790816548017087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242802442603250648.post-45458273527968721962012-12-17T15:37:00.002+13:002012-12-17T15:57:02.171+13:00It's Monday, What are you Reading?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It is Monday and again I am joining in the meme over at Mentor Texts.</div>
<span style="text-align: center;">Hop on over and join in over at the Mentor Text Blog. Just click on the picture </span><br />
<a href="http://www.teachmentortexts.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-3130" height="200" src="http://mistea.edublogs.org/files/2012/01/Monday-21n0n5z-150x150.png" title="Monday" width="200" /></a><br />
It's awhile since I took part in this, reading dwindled to a stop as the final term of the year encroached and writing reports and end of year functions took precedence.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IJNk9nGjw6A/UM5_1YkfpkI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/NoGw7RUebqg/s1600/Mr+T+falls+again.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IJNk9nGjw6A/UM5_1YkfpkI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/NoGw7RUebqg/s200/Mr+T+falls+again.jpg" width="135" /></a></div>
This was my read aloud to the class book for this final term. We had read Because of Mr Terupt in 2011 and were looking forward to this one. I have to say it was a bit of a disappointment for me, it seemed to lack a main focus. However the students enjoyed it and I see one of them has given it four stars on Goodreads to my three stars.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bXvuGZ9NtFI/UM6AhGKHZBI/AAAAAAAAAZY/2aDKSHC_Y7w/s1600/Dead+End.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bXvuGZ9NtFI/UM6AhGKHZBI/AAAAAAAAAZY/2aDKSHC_Y7w/s200/Dead+End.jpg" width="131" /></a></div>
Newbery winner for 2012 is where I became becalmed in my reading, so over the weekend I finished it. As it is semi autobiographical, it read a little like a memoir. I enjoyed the humour and especially enjoyed the Grim Reaper visit to Mrs Dubicki's place. Also liked the relationship of Jack and Miss Volker. A possible read aloud for 2013. Will have to see what else I read over the summer holidays.<br />
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What to read next? My bookworm students have some words of recommendation to me:<br />
Monique says -<br />
<b id="internal-source-marker_0.20726828882470727" style="font-weight: normal;"></b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b id="internal-source-marker_0.20726828882470727" style="font-weight: normal;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The most amazing book I’ve read
is Gone. That’s the title by the way. It
took me awhile to read, as it is quite thick.
But it was DEFINITELY worth the time! The book is by Michael Grant, of
whom I look up to greatly as an author. The book is the first of a series of
five, these are the names of all the books, Gone, hunger, Lies, (I’m reading
that one right now) Plague and Fear.<o:p></o:p></span></b></b></div>
<b id="internal-source-marker_0.20726828882470727" style="font-weight: normal;">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I will not explain Gone, it’s
too complex. Hence the reason for you to read it, otherwise you will never
know.</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Syncopate; font-size: 15px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Syncopate; font-size: 15px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><!--------></span><!-------></span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Syncopate;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Jordan says -</span></span><br />
<b id="internal-source-marker_0.8582164822146297" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Another book I really enjoyed was one of my own books that I got given for my birthday. The second book in the cherub series, Class A.</span><img height="151px;" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/eGtDMbc2s_euYCb2EBq5J7R2qzgy9lq5V8tU_hdWhHcN4Sz7ZbPgVHJSIcxDhnd_jWZ2ORo-X3-f2fHISCffflsn8h52xdl2EzQ_7Dw0r1V_rQB8EbIN" width="98px;" /><span style="font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This book is one of those ones when all you want to do is sit down and finish it off. I would recommend finishing the first book in the series before you read this one.</span></b><br />
<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></span></span></span>
<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Simone says -</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><b id="internal-source-marker_0.983826544135809" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Happy Monkey'; font-size: 19px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Guitar Highway Rose by Brigid Lowry, a New Zealand author. She has a really unique and quirky way of writing that’s really interesting and I really enjoyed this book. Back in January this year I also read another book by her called Lots Of Love From Georgia. It is a really good book and I recommend you read some books by her. She wrote another book called Juicy Writing that you read out to the class last year for some writing study. There is some really good tips in there for writing and I really like all of the books by her that I’ve read, but Guitar Highway Rose was by far the best one yet :D</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Happy Monkey'; font-size: 19px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Happy Monkey'; font-size: 19px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Rosie Black Chronicles - Book one AND two. The first book, Genesis, was recommended to me by Carol, (librarian) and I really really enjoyed it, so much that I read the sequel, Equinox, which was equally as great. In November, the third book in the series came out, it’s called Dark Star, and I hope to get it for Christmas. But since it took ages to come out, I might need to reread the first two books so I get the hang of what’s happening because I forgot some stuff that may be required to be in your head for Dark Star. Other than that, a really great series :)</span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;"><span style="font-size: 19px;"><br /></span></span></span></span>
<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;"><span style="font-size: 19px;">Teegan says -</span></span></span><br />
<b id="internal-source-marker_0.02084740693680942" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My favourite books from this year were Little Brother by Cory Doctorow, The Scorpio Races by Jo Knowles, Divergent By Veronica Roth ( I didn’t like Insurgent that much) Ashes, Ashes by Jo Treggiari and Eve by Anna Carey. All these books except for Little brother are dystopian so I have come to the conclusion that this is my favourite genre. </span></b><br />
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></b>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: blue;">Me:</span></span></b><br />
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: blue;">I have been given these recommendations and I will certainly follow up with Little Brother and Eve as Teegan suggests at some stage. In fact hoping to read all the suggestions!</span></span></b><br />
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></b>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For this week I am going to read:</span></b><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qOwW1wafqpU/UM6EkD306hI/AAAAAAAAAZs/c5B6NRx--Z8/s1600/Leviathan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qOwW1wafqpU/UM6EkD306hI/AAAAAAAAAZs/c5B6NRx--Z8/s200/Leviathan.jpg" width="125" /></a></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;"><span style="font-size: 19px;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Syncopate; font-size: 15px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span>Leviathan by Scott Westerfield, a favourite of Moniques. She drew a calendar picture that is going to hang in the classroom for 2013, so I need to read the book so that I can interpret the picture! She assures me it is good.<br />
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Kathryn Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08581790816548017087noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242802442603250648.post-14062153602595939782012-12-06T20:45:00.002+13:002012-12-07T08:44:56.244+13:00Playground Entertainment.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
As the end of the school year approaches people and things can start to fray at the edges. Most teachers would know about this. Today was one of those days, fortunately for me I enjoyed today's unravelling, although I must say its not always the case! I must have got up on the right side of the bed this morning.<br />
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It began when I noticed two clusters of students in my class gathered around an ipod touch. The first group I noted but didn't follow up on, a few minutes later, passing the second group warning bells went off in the corners of my mind. I went over and gathered the ipod into my hand. Hmm, not what I was hoping to see. An app that was meant for putting in appropriate words to make a story, had very inappropriate words placed in the story - a good number of known sexual words that are within the range of a Year 7 boy it turns out. Far from subtle inquiries identified the culprit who was reminded of his ICT signed contract from the beginning of the year, and then banned from using all computers, and digital devices for the remainder of the term. He accepted it all, said he had done it because he wanted to appear 'cool'. The ban will hurt as we do a lot of work with computers and are completing work on Gamestar Mechanic at the moment. End of story!<br />
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I then proceeded to my duty in the playground. We have an half hour break, the first teacher does 15 minutes duty and then has their lunch. I was on first duty. The 15 minutes were not boring. I note one of my class endeavouring to climb in the class window. He is being his best affronted self. He shouts at me that he is having a dreadful day. As I have seen how happy he has been most of the day I tell him so. He amends it to a dreadful afternoon! "Mates" inform me he has kicked someone - a five year old. My 11 year old says 5 year old spat at him and used the "f" word. I eye him and say that is no excuse you are 5 or 6 years older than him. I ordered him to come with me. He walked a little way and then said, "I am not moving any further". Hmm okay! I give him my best steely look and say. "Come with me". "Fine" he says in his best 2 year old voice. We arrive inside and I direct him to sit him in the time out space. "No" is the reply. Same steely eye and firm voice, and 11 yr old going on two, settles ungraciously into time out space! I need to then walk through staff room to explain the sobbing outside and request "no sympathy" for the 'victim.'<br />
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I then think I better have a word with said 5 year old. I crouch down to his level and explain we don't use the "f" word at our school. He says he can't stop saying it. I commiserate but explain I think he can stop using it, after awhile he agrees!!<br />
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I start to circle the playground. A boy rushes past me, saying J..... said she would show me her........<br />
(He is telling on her). I think to myself as far as I know that is a reference to a boy part, but well... I'm not sure and think I must check that one out later in the staffroom. (Chuckles in said room when I tell the story, confirm for me I'm right). However I let it all go because....<br />
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Just nearby a door from a toilet is being kicked from the inside, and the roar of the caretaker is coming from another cubicle. I stop and demand that the 'kicker' come out. He does so saying the boy who is lounging nearby made him do it. I have no doubt said boy is involved but with my steely eye I explain we are all responsible for our own actions. <br />
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Three paces further along, a woeful group of girls gather around a wounded one. Two slightly skinned knees, one bleeding. I take her to the first aid room and patch her up, donning glove first because I know I will be in trouble with our chief first aider if I am caught mopping up without one on. The young 5 or 6 year old girl explains they have been playing a silly game of vampires and she tripped getting away. I refrain from making a comment about blood and vampires and having patched her up, return to patrol.<br />
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I think I had better take a turn through the junior classrooms as there are still some slow eaters in there. I am met by six year old girl who tells me a story about some one going to tell on her because....don't ask me I didn't really follow the story! I just said, "You know in the order of things that is rather minor." The wind goes out of her sails, she smiles and says. "I know". However another worried look crosses her face and she says, "But she is going to tell the Principal." I reply, "You can take it from me, the Principal is very busy and very tired today, she has no chance of getting heard by him, I know that for a fact." (I've had to battle my way in to arrange end of the year things and rearrange things to fit in with his timetable, so I just KNOW she has no chance). She is totally reassured and I go on my way.<br />
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Well that was 15 minutes of my day, very entertaining. Roll on the holidays!<br />
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Kathryn Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08581790816548017087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242802442603250648.post-62770005074844320562012-11-28T12:23:00.000+13:002012-11-28T12:24:26.602+13:00Gaming in my Classroom<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This term I set out to experiment and do something that is quite different for me. I decided to introduce some gaming time into my classroom time. I was unsure whether it would be of value or whether it had a place in the classroom. However I wanted to try it out.<br />
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I had heard of <a href="http://gamestarmechanic.com/"><b><span style="color: blue;">Gamestar Mechanic</span></b></a> from Kevin Hodgson, a teacher in the USA, who has implemented it in his classroom, I had read his blog and it enticed me into exploring Gamestar. During my sabbatical term I started out on the first quest and began to find out what it was all about. One thing I like about Gamestar Mechanic is that there is no need to download anything onto a server. We started off as a free classroom, but once students completed the first Quest, I upgraded them at a cost of $2 (US), per student.<br />
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Kevin had used it as a part of digital storytelling in his classroom and this is what I wanted to do too. However I am not quite as adept at game playing as he is, so I relied heavily on what he did. Still unsure about it, I asked him to skype our classroom and tell us about the storyboarding part of it. This he did and you can<b> <a href="http://dogtrax.edublogs.org/2012/11/22/talking-video-game-storyboarding-with-new-zealand/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+KevinsMeanderingMind+%28Kevin%27s+Meandering+Mind%29"><span style="color: magenta;">read about his visit here and access the links</span></a></b> he has to what happened in his room.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KExMZWvOCeg/ULVDLoQ1cxI/AAAAAAAAAYw/c0Nc4a8-hSA/s1600/Skype+KH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KExMZWvOCeg/ULVDLoQ1cxI/AAAAAAAAAYw/c0Nc4a8-hSA/s320/Skype+KH.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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After he had spoken to us I again explored those links, looked at the storyboarding and finally felt I was ready for my class to start this part of the unit. His skype call gave me the confidence to keep on moving into the completion of the unit.</div>
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Today I asked my class what they thought was the learning involved in a site such as Gamestar. This is what they shared:</div>
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>During the Quest we were learning about game design, the components, the mechanics, the rules, the points, and how a game has to be balanced.</li>
<li>We were unlocking components that we would be able to use when designing our own games.</li>
<li>While doing the quest we had to develop strategies, it involved thinking and problem solving.</li>
<li>We needed to be patient, we needed to persevere.</li>
<li>We experienced challenge and eventual success.</li>
<li>We were reading and following instructions.</li>
<li>Hand/eye coordination has to be good. (I am not very good at that part!!)</li>
<li>We are called on to be creative, as we have to create our own games.</li>
<li>We are writing - a storyboard, comments on others games - giving them feedback.</li>
<li>There is lots of helping going on, we are communicating and cooperating.</li>
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At the moment my students are putting their storyboards together, some of them are ready to start building their games. I am hoping we will manage to complete them before the holidays swoop down on us. It is actually a great unit to be doing at this time of year, when often energy flags. The students and myself are finding this highly engaging. Often in the morning I am seeking their help with my failed efforts of the night before! Great for their self esteem. Actually one of my students who struggles with many aspects of learning was delighted to tutor me this morning! I think he may know some of the despair teachers experience when they tutor those who 'just don't get it' very quickly!</div>
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I am coming to the opinion that this does have a valid place in the classroom. It has linked nicely into what we have already done this year. It is also another social media site really, where the students can interact and comment. Next year I will most likely include it and see where we can go on from here.</div>
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Kathryn Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08581790816548017087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242802442603250648.post-1877034792424291082012-10-21T13:55:00.001+13:002012-10-21T19:34:30.660+13:00Savouring the Small Moments.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I often wish that over my years of teaching I had kept track of some of the comments and happenings in my classroom. Those moments that warm my heart. Perhaps if there had been blogging back then, I may have!<br />
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<b>This week: </b><br />
<b>Tuesday:</b> As I am sitting at my computer marking the roll before I go to lunch, the last student out says, "Thanks for the gaming Miss T". ( We have just started the Quest in Gamestar Mechanic.)<br />
Still focused on the roll I reply, "You enjoyed that?"<br />
"I didn't just enjoy it, I LOVED it!"<br />
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<b>Wednesday:</b> At the end of the day we are reading the 12 Tasks of Hercules. We have a bit of a conversation about Greek and Roman gods. Unknowingly I offend one of the Year 8 boys with my opinion about them. ( I only have limited knowledge of them based on Rick Riordan's books!). Fortunately his mother clues me in on how he is feeling. I realise I brushed over his opinion. I understand he hasn't felt heard, so the next day, while seemingly having a reading conference with him, I apologise for not listening to him properly, explain that my knowledge of the gods is limited, and after some deep discussion we are on the best of terms again.<br />
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<b>Thursday:</b> After morning tea, we are again on Gamestar Mechanic and completing the next mission. I am watching the whiteboard, where one of the student's games is showing as he plays it. His Year 8 partner stands beside me viewing it as well. <br />
"What if we don't get this finished today?" he enquires.<br />
"It can be finished for homework." I reply.<br />
"Hmm, not bad, gaming for homework!" he says in his understated droll way, a slight gleam in his eye.<br />
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<b>Friday: </b>Friday has a few large chunks taken out of it each week with other curriculum areas so we have shorter time for Literacy and Maths. This Friday I took the Literacy time to administer a STAR reading test. After morning tea, someone is demanding in the background, "When is Literacy today?" The look of disdain and disappointment on her face when she learns we've had it for today, warms my literacy loving heart!<br />
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As we leave for the day, I remind students that Monday is Labour Day, that we have a long weekend, so don't come to school. "What's Labour Day?" someone asks. The bell has gone so my answer is short! "Labour means work, we've worked hard all year, Monday is the day to appreciate it and rest!" (Probably not accurate but....)<br />
"Oh, says a Year 8 girl, I thought labour was the birth of a baby!"<br />
"Well when a baby is born, the mother does a lot of hard work, so I guess that is why it is called 'labour'." I reply.<br />
"Oh, I never knew that," she says, and others nod their head.<br />
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And so the week ends. A week to savour!<br />
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Kathryn Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08581790816548017087noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242802442603250648.post-56421459847795660872012-10-08T11:51:00.000+13:002012-10-08T11:52:18.832+13:00Is Daily Five for Ten to Thirteen Year Olds?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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A question that I hear sometimes asked is: "Does Daily Five work with older students, for example in New Zealand at the intermediate level - Year 7 and<br />
8? Eleven to thirteen year olds.<br />
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In my opinion Daily Five is highly suited to working with this age. I have only been using it now since mid 2011, and I would never go back to any other way of organising my literacy.<br />
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<li><span style="color: blue;">It gives students choice and they love that.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;">It encourages them to be independent and take some responsibility for their learning.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;">Students spend time reading and writing, rather than prepared sheets etc by the teacher.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;">The teacher is able to conference one on one with students or..</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;">Work with a group with no interference</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;">The engagement of students is mostly 100% all of the time. </span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;">It enables flexible grouping.</span></li>
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So if you wanted to implement it in your class where might you begin?</div>
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<li><b style="color: blue;">Obtain and read the boo</b><span style="color: blue;">k </span><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Daily-Five-Gail-Boushey/dp/1571104291/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1349646749&sr=8-1&keywords=the+daily+five"><span style="color: magenta;">The Daily Five by Gail Boushey and Joan Moser.</span></a><span style="color: blue;"> This step is essential. Read it and assimilate it. The process of setting it up is important, expect about your first month to be given over to this. Do this part well and you are set up for a great year.</span></b></li>
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<li><b><span style="color: blue;">Obtain and read their book</span><span style="color: magenta;"> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-CAFE-Book-Assessment-Instruction/dp/1571107282/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1349646749&sr=8-2&keywords=the+daily+five"><span style="color: magenta;">The Cafe Book, Engaging all Students In Daily Literacy Assessment and Instruction.</span></a> </span><span style="color: blue;"> Daily Five is really only the organisational structure, Cafe relates to the literacy teaching - they complement each other.</span></b></li>
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<li><b><span style="color: blue;">Although not a daily five book I would also highly recommend </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Book-Whisperer-Awakening-Inner-Reader/dp/0470372273/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1349647174&sr=1-1&keywords=the+book+whisperer"><span style="color: magenta;">The Book Whisperer by Donalyn Miller</span></a><span style="color: blue;">, to teachers of older students. This will really fire up your own enthusiasm for children's literature and enhance your Daily Five literacy.</span></b></li>
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<li><b><span style="color: blue;">Prepare and begin. Don't be overwhelmed, it may seem difficult but it really is okay once you get going.</span></b></li>
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In the beginning I taught all five aspects of Daily Five - Reading to Self, Reading to Others, Listening, Writing and Working with Words. As 2011 passed I realised that actually for older students not all five are needed. So for 2012 I have Read to Self, Writing and Working with Words. However this does not cut out the option of listening; some students might opt in their read to self time - to listen. As we generally have students at different levels of reading - read to others might be appropriate too as a choice. The great thing is Daily Five is flexible.</div>
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On a good day I do three rounds and it goes like this:</div>
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<li><span style="color: blue;"><b>A ten minute teaching time with the whole class - in the beginning this is about process and practice of the structure of Daily Five. Later this will become input around Reading or Writing or Vocabulary.</b></span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;"><b>A breakout, where students make a choice of what they are going to do - caution this comes after you have established Reading, Writing and Words work individually.</b></span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;"><b>During the breakout time I meet individuals and conference reading around reading and writing - or take a group for a short while.</b></span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;"><b>Another ten minute gathering time - more input from the teacher.</b></span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;"><b>Another breakout</b></span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;"><b>Another ten minute input time.</b></span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;"><b>Another breakout</b></span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;"><b>Share time.</b></span></li>
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With older students breakout time is usually 25 - 30 minutes for me. It just depends on the day.</div>
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Now not every day is a good day! (I define a good day as heaps of time for literacy!) Sometimes we only have one round or two rounds on other days. I warn students at the beginning: today we have .... rounds. Then they can make their choice accordingly.<br />
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The two sisters<span style="color: magenta;"> <a href="http://www.thedailycafe.com/"><span style="color: magenta;"><b>Daily Five website</b></span></a></span> is another place to visit. I have a subscription to it because I find all the answers to my questions there! I started out with a three month sub to see if it would be useful to me first. It was! Excellent video that models so many aspects. If you don't subscribe at least sign up for the newsletter as it is great value.<br />
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Follow or/and join in with the Daily Five chat on Twitter. It goes under the hash #d5chat. In New Zealand the chat time is on the 1st and 3rd Saturday at 1pm. That is Friday evening in the States. <br />
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If you have a question, as you decide whether it is for you - don't hesitate to ask.</div>
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Kathryn Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08581790816548017087noreply@blogger.com5