Neha's Operation Big Science Learning Story

Learners:  Neha, Willie, Helen & Daniel                                      Learning Coach: DWilkes Learning Area: Science                                                                            Sept: August 2015

Learning Observed

Neha, Willie, Helen & Daniel had a blast conducting Operation Big Science in Week 7.  Thanks to the New World kit of ingredients.  Lots of learning resources as well about the Types of Mixtures and Chemical Reactions in Baking.  The learners learned that cooking is scientific fun and that the science capabilities are for life.  After initially watching a short video explaining the difference between chemical and physical changes the learners were challenged to explore their curiosity by examining their materials and to discuss their priori knowledge about the materials and cooking with them.  They had tonic water, water and different kinds of jelly.  Then they collaboratively devised an experiment - a cooking experiment, using the ingredients they selected.  First they identified a question and then a hypothesis- making connections to their prior knowledge.  As a group they needed to plan their method too.  During the cooking they made observations- noting what they notice, think and wonder.  Neha did well leading the group through their experiment and capturing photo and video evidence of their process. She also developed some capability at measuring while completing their recipe.  Their concoction was a mystery- they wanted to see if it would glow in the black light, it didn’t so they left it to set and check the next day.  Such a collaboration!

Evidence of learning

Operation Big Science - Video

Next Learning Steps

complete their Operation Big Science experiment plan with observations and explanations write a reflective blog post about the experience use more specific measurements when writing a recipe give detailed observations about what you noticed before, during and after tent on the LH1 blog post about Operation Big Science

Neha's Speech Learning Story

Learner: Neha                                                                           Learning Coach: DWilkes

Learning Area:  Literacy                                                                              Date: Aug 2015

Learning Observed

This term all learners in LH1 wrote a speech on a topic of their choosing.  Oral language is an important skill and Neha refined her knowledge of some language features to enhance both the speaking and writing of her oral presentation.  Neha learned about emotive language features such as the use of adjectives; persuasive features such as rhetorical questions, repetition, quotations, statistics, contrasts and lists of three ; and varied sentence structures like statements, questions, exclamations and commands.  She learned about the structure of a speech including introductions, endings, sequencing words and and how to make her point clear.  Neha also explored how to creatively add additional details to make the argument stronger.  This was based around the ‘hamburger method’ of speech writing.  I was so impressed with how Neha used humour and persuasive techniques to convince the audience why kids should learn to play an instrument.

Evidence of learning

Oral Language Rubric Here      Neha's Speech Video- youtube Some of the tools used to structure and develop the speech

Key Competencies/Vision Principles

Neha cultivated the curiosity of others with her speech on Why kids should play a musical instrument- she made everyone wonder why they weren’t a musician!  She connected with her audience using emotive language and confident delivery - in her hapu group and at the school competition. She collaborated with other learners while practicing her speech and responded to feedback and lead the discussion, writing and providing of feedback and feed forward to the other learners when they did their speech or poem.  Her public speaking capability has grown as a result of this experience. We were very proud of Neha representing us - the Pukekos!- at the Speech Finals- she is a real asset to our OrmPS whanau.  Ka Pai!

Next Learning Steps

write a reflective blog post embed the oral rubric into her learning pathway and a copy of you presenting the speech (get the Swivel copy from Mr McNeil and upload to the LH1 Youtube channel) practice reading aloud daily write what you think your next steps are in the comment section

Neha, Johanna & Divya present Riley & Steve's message from NYLD - August 2015

Learners:  Johanna, Divya & Neha                                             Learning Coach: D Wilkes

Learning Area: KCs and Literacy                                                Date: Aug 5

Learning Observed

Neha, Johanna and Divya collaborated together to provide a wonderful and inspiration component to the ‘Leadership Experience’ as a long awaited follow up to the NYLD that all the Year 6s attended in Term 2.  The girls co-constructed a presentation and speech which included a video of Riley and Steve (which can be found in the Leadership Experience presentation).  They sparked the curiosity of the crowd with the strong message of conservation and ‘yes you can’.  The learners loved watching the video and most walked away thinking about how they can help wildlife.  Practicing their public speaking, writing, presenting and leadership was what they did while the audience was inspired by Riley’s commitment to conservation.

Evidence of learning

Neha, Johanna and Divya share Riley and Steve’s passion and message

Key Competencies/Vision Principles

While Divya, Neha and Johanna collaborated they made direct and indirect connections to their experience at NYLD.  The related to others, managed themselves responsibly and participated enthusiastically on the day.  They were enthusiastic and responded to changes with resilience.  The preparation for the presentation was great.  They made us curious and they inspired us!

Next Learning Steps

learn some editing so you can pull out the snippets of video that you really want to capture and then put into iMovie write a blog post about the afternoon including your reflections share your learning with family at home

Neha's Drama Learning Story - May 2015

Learner:  Neha                                                Date: May 20, 2015

Learning Area: The Arts- Drama                                 Learning Coach: Diana Wilkes

Learning Observed

During iExperience this term with the Strategic Leadership Team (SLT), we have been learning how to use movement and space to effectively communicate.  The lasting understanding is that people represent their culture and heritage in different dramatic ways- past and present.  Learners had a variety of opportunities to explore the use of space, props and their body for communicating different ideas.  Neha and Norah worked in a group with Joshua and Aimee to use dramatic techniques to explore drama elements and conventions and both girls exhibited a real passion and enthusiasm for performing when asked to initiate and develop ideas with others to create a dramatic 1 minute skit about a culture.

Evidence of learning

Neha and Norah make effective use of space, facial expressions and movement.  See video here.

Key Competencies/Vision Principles

Neha demonstrates that she can work Collaboratively with others towards a common goal. Norah shows her Capabilities in following complex instructions and strives to meet the success criteria- managing herself and others. The girls are able to make Connections between what they know about a culture and how to express that with movement, no sound and imaginary props.

Next Learning Steps

Further explore movements she can make with her body, use of her voice, and creation of facial expressions to enhance dramatic effect Practice at home playing ‘props’ or ‘charades’

Neha's Volcano Learning Story

Learner: Neah Joseph     Learning Coach: Bex Remington         Date: 23 March 2015

Learning Area: iExplore - Science: Volcanoes

Learning Observed

Neha began her volcano iExplore alongside her sister Norah, however 2 weeks ago she came to me and said she wanted to do something different for her volcano project.  We started looking at volcano science experiments and Neha decided she wanted to create a volcano model that she could fill with baking soda and vinegar and make erupt.  She decided that the best way to present her research about volcanoes would be to put the information on little cards around the volcano.  Neha has steadily worked through the process and is in the final stages of preparation.

Evidence of learning

Key Competencies/Vision Principles

Neha has shown great skills at managing herself as she has worked independently for this task.  She has come up against little mini challenges and has shown perseverance to work through them.  Neha has demonstrated the ability to understand language symbols and text by finding the information she requires and creating a scientific experiment to present her research.  She has continued to follow her curiosity about volcanoes and is now excited about her presentation.

Next Learning Steps

Complete her volcano and present to the habitat Start planning another iExplore - maybe one that is working with other people so she can share her ideas and get ideas from other people