Kōwhai News Term 1 Week 3

Kia ora Kōwhai whānau, 

We have had a great Week 3 in the Kōwhai Hub - our first full five-day week! We have been very busy establishing routines, engaging in learning activities and having lots of fun along the way. We have also started going to kapa haka with whaea Cath. Every homegroup will be given the opportunity to try kapa haka this term. Anna R, Rowe and Nick's homegroups are going to kapa haka from weeks 2-5 and Charlotte and Anna M's homegroups are going in weeks 6-9.

Home Learning

Our literacy groups are well under way. We will be sending a letter home soon informing you of how our home learning programme works. It is separated into two parts, depending on whether or not your child takes home a structured literacy reading book.

1. Once your child has completed the Structured Literacy programme, home learning will consist of reading a chapter book or non-fiction book of their own choice each night. Some students will bring home a journal story or article that they have read in class. All students visit the library once a week.
2. Optional spelling activities are also outlined.

Library days are as follows:

• Rowe and Nick's literacy groups on Mondays
• Anna M and Anna R's literacy groups on Tuesdays
• Charlotte's literacy group on Wednesdays

Geometry

Currently, our students are enjoying lessons and activities based on the geometry strand of mathematics. These activities are based on learning 2D and 3D shapes and their properties. The students are being introduced to vocabulary associated with these properties, e.g., faces, edges and vertices.

There is a Geometry section in Mathematics Games on the intranet which they can use as well. Try getting the children to identify the names of common household shapes or send them on a scavenger hunt to locate shapes. 

Butterflies

We were very fortunate last week when we were given 2 monarch chrysalises for us to observe. The students were spellbound, waiting and watching as the monarchs emerged from their chrysalises. Many rich discussions about the process of metamorphosis took place. The children also discussed the process of monarch butterflies drying off their wings before they could fly. 

Art

The focus this week for Art has been creating a self-portrait. The children have been following the rules of facial proportion and have achieved some outstanding results.

Have a lovely weekend. 

Ngā mihi, 

The Kōwhai Team - Anna R, Anna M, Nick, Charlotte, Rowe and Megan.