Interpreting Figurative Language

Learners in Room 17 were looking at proverbs, which are a form of language that are not fully used or understood in our ever changing vocabulary.  Some of the learners had heard and/or used some proverbs so had a bit of an idea as to what they were used for.

It was really fun to see their reactions when they inferred the meanings and applied them to their lives. Some researched the history of the proverb they had chosen and were intrigued by the story involved.

Their task was to draw their interpretation of the proverb and interpret them. 

Following are some of their efforts.

Collaborative Thinking During a Pubertal Change Lesson

Part of the pubertal change topic required collaborative thinking about what happens to adolescents  during their second most important time of growth in their lives. The students had to work together, discussing key ideas that happen during puberty, to tie three ideas together. They had to interepret images, clues and key messages to bring each point together.  They then had to consider if the changes they were working on, were either physical, emotional or social.  This tied in with Hauora which we focused on earlier in the term. 

There was a lot of discussion and debatingwhile collaborating, but the end result for most groups were accurate matching. The learning was really meaningful as it endorsed what had been presented to them earlier in the week as well as the answers to their questions.

Showing Their Team Colours of Black and White for Nepia

Brooke, Summer, Ella, Drew and Vicky all ready for the 'Big Run' aka The Cross Country in the Nepia colours. 

Learning to Play Go Fish or Ika

We were learning to play the Maori equivalent of Go Fish.  We called it Ika, which means 'Fish'.  We had to ask for the cards and respond in Maori. 

Nancy is learning to speak English as well as widen her vocabulary in Maori.

Callum is going in for the rua - pair while Oliver looks on, stunned.

Roksolana is busy counting her rua, while Ashlee waits patiently.

Summer and Brooke keep their hands close to their chests so that no one sees what pairs they have.

The Year 8 Lunch Time Sports Trophy

It is OURS!!!  

For the rest of the term but we will be working hard to get the Lunch TIme Sports trophy back into the classroom again.

We have a great attitude developing in the class towards Lunch Time Sports. It is easier to get volunteers for the weekly game. This part of the year the responsibility for selection of the teams and umpiring other team games, falls on the shoulder of our Sports Captains, Ollie and Drew.

Maths Starter This Week

A challenge to the class this week as a starter in maths, to see how many triangles they could see in the whole triangle.

The Final Call Before Starting Their Cross Country Race

The wind is blowing, tension is high and the students wait to be called to the warm up site. 

Once there, they straighten their bent legs which have been twisted into place while sitting, waiting for two or three other races to have the whistle blow for the start. 

Calls to go to the starting line, the twinges of discomfort are long forgotten as the limbs are tensed, ready to fire.

The familiar paths, streets and trees rush by and the creek bed becomes a snake to race alongside.  Stomping up the last set of steps which become Mt Everest to then have the last slope in sight.  
Heavy breathing accompanies the longer strides down the gentle hillside and things become easier and hard, both at the same time. Ankles complain, chests scream, throats burn and the desire for water overwhelms the runners while they gasp loudly at each lumbering breath.

The last corner appears into view; secret delights enter the runners' minds that this will be the last time for the torturous runs. No more breathing made up of steam, screaming lungs or tired stomping of feet on frozen grass.

The home straight opens up and the thought of no more cross country training  is a delightfully pleasant one....and the sense of satisfaction kicks in, I did it!

...until next year!