Term 3 is often hectic and this year it was no different. For me the hectic part was in the sporting and cultural activities that involve me. These can be time consuming, which they were, but at the same time rewarding even though it meant time out of the classroom which is not always good. The hockey team performed well this year losing their last game in the final which although disappointing it was a tribute to their skill and development that they were part of the final. They performed well at Spooner Shield but found it difficult against stronger teams and then enjoyed their time at the first Super Sixes tournament. The term also had Kapa haka and I was pleased with our groups as they performed well while the end of the term saw our production of Badjelly which came together at the end with some good performances by the children. The band was great!!!
In The Classroom
One of the aspects of our Maths PD has been to explore and use Talk Moves. This term I have been using them more often as I get more comfortable with them and am finding that they encourage more and better thinking by the children about their maths ideas. It is a process that also works in developing their ability to express themselves orally with more confidence and for this reason also it is something I intend to continue with. Another thing I have found with this, and it is probably not altogether unexpected, is the way I also use Talk Moves in other areas to enhance the children's thinking. I am not 100% confident with it yet but feel I am getting there.
IPads are going well with the children very confident in their use of them. They are using Pic Collage and Book Creator with ease to create their own content and have dabbled in Telagami. The next app I would like to explore with them is Explain Everything. This once again will give them an opportunity to express and show their thinking around the learning they are doing.
