In Hub 21/22 we settle into the school day with literacy learning. We begin with writing, which is done in home groups. Our latest text type has been persuasive writing which was ignited by the topic of 'Scooters should be banned at Beckenham School'. We had some very interesting discussions around this.

Please enjoy reading the following two examples of children's work.


After writing, we begin reading. We are in groups and have different activities each day. These include independent novel study, Olympics activities, guided reading with the teacher, and plays. We enjoyed watching two groups perform their plays this morning.

This term, the two central themes for learning in Team Pōhutukawa are "Asia Awareness" and "Entrepreneurship". As part of their learning, our students will work in small groups to investigate an Asian culture of their choice. They will then learn to develop an authentic business based on this culture throughout the rest of the term.

In Week 8, the students will open their businesses at a special "Market Day" that families and the other classes will be invited to. During the Market Day, each business will operate a small shop where the children will sell their Asian themed product/service. The money raised from the businesses will go towards reducing the cost of camp in Term 4.

The children will be provided with some start-up resources for their business. They are also allowed to accept donations from family members but this is entirely at your discretion. Please do not feel pressured to contribute anything at all unless you want to. This is an authentic opportunity for the children to develop financial literacy skills and understand the value of money.

The children are very excited about developing their businesses and we are all looking forward to Market Day.

Asia Awareness

What an exciting first week back! 

The children in Pōhutukawa have dived straight into their learning for this term by exploring a range of Asian countries and cultures. Both hubs have been completing a variety of research and experiences to embrace different Asian culture. Some of these cultures even belong to children in our very own hubs so it has been an exciting opportunity to get to know more about these in particular.


I have been exploring Japan with my group and on Thursday we decided to have a go at making sushi. A very messy, yet exciting task! Below is a video of one of our students completing the 'wasabi challenge'. I gave the challenge a go myself and can confirm it is no easy feat. A big thanks to Fonterra's Milk in Schools programme for the aftercare support for the brave souls who took on the challenge.

Caitlyn

Today some of the children had another action packed afternoon learning about biology. Todays lesson focused on the human skeleton. Children got create their own skeletons and will be learning about all the different bones. We were very lucky that one of our parents brought in REAL HUMAN BONES! Here are the children checking them out.