Our Trip to Whangaparaoa, A Steam Train Ride and Much, Much More

There was lots to see and do on our Whangaparaoa trip

We could ride on the steam train 

Go on bush walks

Jump on the trampoline  - Woohoo!

And play on the playgrounds

We saw animals and counted owls hiding in the bush. There was a train track on a table and so many of us could play with it all at once and because there was enough trains to go round, we were all happy. There were swings and slides, trucks and trees. Oh yes, it was a fun packed, busy trip and do you know, the rain stayed away.

It was good to see our friends from Kinross Street and we really enjoyed travelling on the double decker bus.

Thank you for such an awesome trip!

Hit the link below for more details:
Whangaparaoa Narrow Gauge Railway

Something for us all to think about

At a recent professional development course we were given an opportunity to watch the following clip. It is quite long (4 mins) but it is worth watching to get an idea of the world that children are growing up in.

Children are using technology. They will face challenges and they will need skills to manage these challenges. Who will teach them these skills, their parents, their teachers? Do we know the technologies that they will be using?

 

A Vision of K-12 Students Today - Watch more Tech Videos at Vodpod.

Liz Clarkson from New Lynn Primary gave us this message:
"Don't prepare children for our world; Prepare them for their world."

हमारी दीवाली का जश्न! - Our Diwali Celebration!

दीपावली की हार्दिक शुभकामनाएं

Free ecard generated with Smilebox

दीवाली के लिए हमारी तैयारी छोटे तेल के लैंप मिट्टी के साथ परंपरागत तरीके से बनाने के साथ शुरू कर दिया
Our preparation for Diwali started with us making small oil lamps in the traditional way with clay.

Jaimini हमें दिखाया रंगोली बनाने के लिए, यह एक स्वागत योग्य संकेत है
Jaimini showed us how to make Rangoli. It is a welcome sign.

मिठाई के लिए हम नारियल गेंदों बनाया
For sweet we made coconut balls.

जिया और ईडन भारतीय रोटी (दोपहर के भोजन)बना रही है
Jiya and Eden making indian bread for lunch.

Ann and Mandy's Trip to Christchurch - Part 1

Ann and I went to the U-Learn 2010, teachers conference in Christchurch with Marlise and Wendy from Kinross Street. We were able to see some of the devastation and destruction that was caused as a result of the earthquake and following aftershocks.

Before we left, the children at Learning Curves had already expressed interest in the earthquake and our planning around the phenomenal event began. Although our trip down to Christchurch was for professional development, we took a few moments to have a closer look at the aftermath. The city was able to host a conference to accommodate over 2000 teachers from all over the world with little or no disruption to our timetable. Quite incredible really.

The following slide show should give you some idea of the destruction experienced by the people of Christchurch, and for me, a clear picture of the resilience that they express every day after the event with unpredictable aftershocks that strike at any moment.

This is part 1 of our trip to Christchurch...more to follow. Thank you for your interest.

Devonport & Mt.Victoria Trip!

Our Ben - The Learning Curves Gymnast

During a discussion with a group of children today we established that, Ben, is in fact, the Learning Curves Gymnast and I managed to capture a moment of his skills as he expressed with confidence what he can do. In addition to his cartwheels he did a head-stand but I wasn't quick enough to record him. I can tell you though that his legs went straight up in the air and he stayed in that position for a number of seconds before safely rolling down on his back and back to his feet.
With Ben as the motivator and inspiration for this experience, some of his friends joined in to show off his or her moves. This was a fun and very energetic time for us.

A learning story has been added to Ben's portfolio. Harpar, Jiya, Cameron, Eden and master L were very impressed with Ben's moves and practiced some flips and roly poly and cart wheels. 

Roti with Fatima

Fatima, Zahra's Mum offered to come and make Roti with the children on Wednesday, 6th October, 2010. Fatima demonstrated to the children how to make Roti and then they gave it a go. Have a look at the photo story of the children participating.

This Is What Friends Do

In our mixed age setting from 2 to 5 year olds there is many opportunities for the children to take on the role as teachers and we all learn from those experiences. Below is an example of children learning from each other during a normal day at Learning Curves. Don't forget to click on the picture to enlarge and the back arrow to return. A video will also follow:

23 September 2010

Annie and Mandy's Trip to Christchurch

We're back! What a busy week we had in Christchurch, full of learning and experiences that we are both keen to share with you all. Stay tuned for our photos and stories of our very shaky trip:

Look at our colourful Lillies!