Tuesday, September 29, 2015


Learner: Justin V, Mohammed and Tristan     Learning Coach: Margaret Patrick            Date: 24.09..2015
Learning Area: Science Narrative Learning story
Learning Observed
These learners were part of the “Mythbuster” group for iExperience in Weeks 6-10.
They ”busted” the myths about everyday objects behaving in unusual ways.
They were curious and explored the  physical and chemical reactions that caused the strange things to happen.They practiced writing up the phenomenon using a scientific experimental method developing their capabilities.  In week 10 they collaborated to form a  group and they had to make their own experiment, connect with other research available and come up with a hypothesis as what they expected to happen, do the experiment and reflect on the actual outcome. Following this they were required to make a presentation to an audience of learners. This included: the actual experiment, explanation of any changes they made, review of their hypothesis, present their digital recording of their work and field answers to questions. They managed their time well and were ready on time. Their experiment was about creating a shock using static electricity from a balloon, transferred to a plastic spoon wrapped in foil as a conductor. They were not prepared with materials for the day of their experiment. They relied on Mrs Patrick for the balloon and plastic fork. Mohammed brought the foil from home and Justin brought the plastic gloves. When they first tried the experiment, it appeared it wasn’t working but they had missed an important step. I asked them to read the procedure again and they realaised that they needed to touch the fork with the other hand’s finger. They were trying to rub the balloon on their hair and when I suggested rubbing faster on my top the reaction was a lot stronger. During the demonstration apparently they could get any shock. They probably needed a new balloon as the the original one was slightly soft and deflated. They didn’t try rubbing on their clothes. They called their experiment “Shocking Lightning”.
Evidence of learning

Next Learning Steps
  • try out other experiments in a safe supervised manner
  • explore where this scientific phenomenon is used in real life activities
  • write a reflective blog post about your learning. Add a cross-section of comments from the other learners’ feedback during your presentation.
  • encourage your family to go online and read your blogs.
  • spend time ensuring all group members have a role during a presentation.
  • create a schedule for group members regarding responsibility for bringing various items to contribute to the group’s experiment.


Tuesday, September 22, 2015


Learner: Mohammed      Learning Coach:  J Taylor        Date: 21/9/15
Learning Area: Draw it
Learning Observed

Mohammed chose ‘Draw it’ for her iExperience in Wk 3 - 6 Term 3. He was to show his design firstly by carefully sketching the animal he chose in detail on paper along with information about this animal. He used the internet to find the information and a picture to help him draw his animal which is a Spider Monkey. He was then to do a final drawing (see below) of the Spider Monkey. He has used great detail and also some of the Spider Monkeys habitat to complete his drawing. Mohammed finished his task on time and was able to explain to others about the Spider Monkey and its habitat.
Evidence of learning
Key Competencies/Vision Principles
Mohammed showed he had the curiosity to find an animal that suited him. He collaborated well with the other students in sharing and helping.
Mohammed was able to connect to his prior knowledge and experiences in discovering about the Spider Monkey. It was an animal that interest him.
Next Learning Steps
  • Gain confidence in drawing a little more detail
  • Using the internet to your full advantage
  • Don’t be afraid to try new things and colours

Thursday, August 20, 2015

Awesome Tile Art

Yesterday I really enjoyed made a picture of Letter is O and I have Ninjago Lego face, sea , minion and storm. My favourite is paint with the tile. Awesome piant because I put piant on the tile. The piant is quick dry. The colour is green, blue, yellow and pink. I am Happy because I piant and pictures on my tile.  I am waiting and excited about woman give me my tile. I want to see bright on my tile. When it is fired 

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Habitats & Continents Learning Story


Learner: :  Seth, Mohammed & Jasonta                                                        Date: July 2015
Learning Area: Science                                                         Learning Coach: DWilkes
Learning Observed
The learners are beginning learning in the area of animal habitats, adaptations and survival needs in preparation for our trip to the zoo.  During the session the learners began to build their scientific language and develop their ability to communicate in science.  In matching the animals to different continents Seth & Mohammed began to recognise that living things are suited to their particular habitat, Jasonta really enjoyed this activity.  They can recognise that all living things have certain requirements so they can stay alive.  While learning the continent song, they actively participated and could sign and say the names of all of the continents.  They could also identify them on a world map.  Jasonta, Mohammed and Seth can define what the word habitat means and they can state which continent certain animals are found eg. panda in Asia, giraffe in Africa
Evidence of learning
IMG_3857.JPGIMG_3855.JPG

Key Competencies/Vision Principles
The boys were enthusiastically engaged in all aspects of the lesson participating and contributing while demonstrating strong collaboration and communication with Jasonta.  They asked each other for help and didn’t hesitate to check for understanding with other learners or the learning coaches. During the matching activity I observed excellent questioning and problem solving strategies while they worked with Diane. While some of the animals were matched incorrectly to the continents, they persevered to get it correct showing a strong desire to develop their capability in this area. They are able to make connections between what a habitat is to an animal and what a habitat is to humans drawing on new learning and prior knowledge.
Next Learning Steps

Monday, August 10, 2015


Learner: Mohammed Kan        Learning Coach: Margaret Patrick     Date:23.07.2015
Learning Area: Collaboration  Narrative Story
Learning Observed
Mohammed was a member of a group of 4 learners who were engaged in an activity where they had to reach consensus about placing statements about “promises” into categories under the title of agree, strongly agree, disagree and strongly disagree. An example of some of the promise statements were “ I promise to clean my teeth every night” or “I promise I will grow taller than my dad” or “I promise I will try had to learn” and “ I promise  to keep any promise”. This was a challenging activity as in the first round the learners were not allowed to sign/talk but shuffle the statements into the categories until they were all happy with the outcome. The second round the learners were able to sign/talk and had to justify why they moved and why they thought statements belonged or didn’t belong in the specified category selected. Mohammed was quick to learn the signs for the 4 different categories. He was able to explain why he thought statements should be moved and why.
When his group compared their results with another group they realised they had several statements that they all felt the same way about but there were a few which were quite different. He was able to listen/attend to their explanations and was accepting of people’s different opinions.
Evidence of learning

IMG_0101.JPG
Key Competencies/Vision Principles
Mohammed is displaying an increasing level of participation  and was relating well with the other learners. He was contributing his ideas and showing he made connections with the other learners by showing respect for their different opinions.
Next Learning Steps
  • use these skills in decision making situations during learning blocks, iBreaks and at  home.
  • grow in confidence sharing his viewpoint knowing everyone’s ideas  are valuable when solving problems.


Thursday, July 2, 2015

Mohammed's Visual Art Narrative Assessment


Learner: Mohammed                                                                    Date: June 2015
Learning Area: iExperience - Art and Design                  Learning Coach: John Dyer                 
Learning Observed
Mohammed is a friendly boy who I enjoy interacting with. He is always polite and willing to share his time with others. I have noticed him trying his best in a range of learning experiences and taking pride in his work during this term.

All the learners in our habitat are designing a ‘Google Doodle’ to be entered into this year’s competition. The theme for this year is ‘If I could go back in time, I would… Mohammed had some effective ideas and enjoyed designing his image.
Evidence of learning

IMG_0305.JPG
Mohammed focussing hard as he constructs his masterpiece!
Key Competencies/Vision Principles being demonstrated

Thinking - Making sense of information, experiences and ideas.
Using language, symbols, and texts - Making sense of words, numbers and images.
Managing self - knowing when to lead, when to follow and when to act independently.
Relating to others - Interacting effectively in a range of contexts.
Participating and contributing - Being actively involved in school and the community

Curious
Collaborative
Connected
Capable
Next Learning Steps
Mohammad can use his design skills to create images and logos for Te Manawa. There is good opportunity for designs in our new school with blank canvasses all around.

Tuesday, June 23, 2015

Trip to the Umupuia Marae

Guess what? I went to Umupuia Marae and it was fantastic. The coolest activity was the tai aha. It is a traditional weapon of the Maori. It used for short sharp strikes. I liked this because I need erengy and strong.