Algebra Workshop

21st May 2015
Algebra Workshop 1

These workshops see other teaching staff from schools within the Waitara Teaching Region where we all come together to collaborate and learn from one another.

This first workshop had all teachers thinking critically about the Algebra Levels within the NZC document and what an algebaric activity may look like at each level. It was quite interesting engaging in a professional development task like this, because some activities shown made some question whether the chosen activity was at the right (appropriate) level, or whether it should be a lower/higher level.

Overall, this first workshop was very informative and made me think about what I should be teaching at year 7&8 if the individual is at that level in regards to the NZC.

 This image shows what each learner should be learning at the end of each level.

This image shows what we as group knew about Algebra.

Weekly Reflection T2 WK 6

Weekly Reflection T2
Week 6

Date: 25th May - 29th May

Goal for coming week

• Start to make anecdotal notes on students for reading and maths. 
• Finalise Inquiry focus. 
• Get organised for ETP visit on Thursday (Janeen to observe me).

Professional Development Attended

• Te Wananga o Aotearoa (Te Ara Reo Lvl 2)
• iPad Traning (Manukorihi Int)

This week we have focused strongly on mathematics building students key knowledge to ensure they are able to engage appropriately in the mathematical task for that given lesson (For example; knowing the multiplies of 3's, 5's, 10's, knowing which fraction is larger or means the same). Most students have shown and continue to show strong engage in proportion and ratios. This will be the last week that we will work on this area, as we need to make a start on Measurement. 

This week was the first Winter Inter-intermediate Sports Exchange against Devon Intermediate. This was a brilliant day. It saw students from both schools developing positive relationships with one another and teaching them to show great sportsmanship. It was also a great opportunity for teachers to network with one another. 

Tuesday - My mentor and I sat down to brainstorm ideas on what I wanted to focus on for my maths inquiry. This was a great opportunity, as she was able to guide me in the direction needed to develop my own inquiry. My inquiry focus at this stage is 'have sound understanding of the key knowledge required to support and scaffold students learning from one stage to the next." 

Areas for further improvement: 

• Knowing that it is okay if your daily plan, does not go the way you want it to (i.e: if maths goes overtime).

Te Reo

Te Reo Māori
Te Ara Reo Level 2
Te Wananga o Aotearoa

This is a journey that I have really enjoyed since starting on this course. Not only is it beneficial to me as a teacher, but it is also of significance to me as a Māori. It has been my dream to learn te reo, and one day to hopefully speak my language fluently.

We have covered a range of topics thus far:

• Vowels, consonants, blends
• Numbers
• Names 
• Waiata
• Karakia 
• Naming objects
• Locations
• Whakapapa
• Greetings.

E-Learning PLD

E-Learning PLD

Each, Wednesday one of our school staff members guides staff on how to use iPads and the apps currently on there, so that we as educators can implement and use these apps or programmes within the learning environment.

20th May 2015 
This week we were guided step by step, how to use the application NGA (National Gallery of Art). This application allows students to create their own setting. Once the setting has been created, students then save their image, and import this into "explain everything". Students then have the opportunity to record their creative story on the setting they have created.

Here is an example: 

6th May 2015
This week, we used the programme explain everything. This programme can be useful for modelling, especially maths by getting students to model their answers. This can also be effective for the teacher to also model the answers given. There is also the opportunity for the students to record themselves explaining the strategy used.

29th April 2015
Although this is only our second week into iPad training, I have enjoyed the new learning. Technology is becoming a really strong aspect of student education and is the way of the future. This week Zoey guided us through the google drive application/programme. Google drive will allow students to save work that they have completed on the iPad to this programme. This will free up a lot of space on the iPad. 

22nd April 2015
This week were guided and given ideas on how we can use Life Cards. The "Life Card" application can be used for a range of purpose. For example, short report (news form), recount, information report, reading (comprehension), topic (study).  

Here is an exemplar: 

Measurement PLD

Maths PLD 4th May
(Measurement)

This maths workshop looked at measurement. As a staff we explored and analysed the measurement strand of the NZC. The importance of this was to identify activities suited to each level from levels 1 - 4, and where students are expected to be by the end of year 7 and 8. As a realisation, we know that there will be students who are below or well below these year levels. As apart of this workshop we discussed the importance of OTJ's and linking these to "National Standards". The importance of assessing each student in accordance to NS means that the next class/school the student goes to is able to identify the year level the child is at, instead of either being identified as well below, below, at, above, or well above.

These two images shows staff engaging in a measurement activity making predictions on which shape is larger. We then used objects, and measurements to decide on which was larger/smaller.





This image shows staff organising mathematical tasks completed by students into their appropriate year level in accordance to NS and the NZC.

ETP (Effect Teaching Partners)

Term 1
Wks 5 - 10

Weekly Reflection T2 WK 4

Weekly Reflection T2
WK 4

Date: 11th - 15th May 2014

Goals for the coming week 

• Organise learning content for students using PAT Data
• Update classroom website

All running records on well-below students are completed, and it was great to see some students making progress from the testing which took place at the start of term 1. 

This week has been short, due to officially graduating as teacher in Palmerston North on Wednesday 13th May 2015. This was a spectacular day and was happy to have my when by my side to celebrate this day. 

ETP (Effective Teaching Partners)

This week I have observed Janeen to look at how she uses the PAT Maths Data to support her students knowledge and comprehension strategies when reading a text. Last week was the last observation by Janeen using the PAT Maths Data to consolidate students learning and knowledge around a particular strand in Mathematics. I will continue it use the PAT maths data once a week to support where the need is greater.   

Areas for future improvement

• Continue to re-inforce positive behaviour 
• Continue to model expectations 
• Recording student responses during group work

Weekly Reflection T2 Wk 2

Weekly Reflection T2 
Wk 2

Date: 27th - 1st May 

Goals for the coming week

• Continue with running records on well below 
• Complete Unit plan, group reading (short stories) 
• Have blogger for PRT organised
• Organise mathematical activities using PAT data  

Professional Development Attended 

• Te Wananga o Aotearoa 
• iPad Training with Zoe (Using Google Drive) 

I am disappointed that I haven't started my running records on my well below students. I plan to start this on Monday during my CRT time.  

I am impressed with the feedback given from some parents in regards to the classroom website, they see this as a great asset to inform them (the parents) about the learning activities and opportunities their child will/have be involved in. 

The continuous professional development at Te Wananga o Aotearoa has been a great tool for me. Not only is it growing my knowledge around things Māori, but I am learning new activities and strategies to help with the implementation of te reo in within my classroom. For example; pepper, greetings, vowels and consonants, place names. 

I have enjoyed the two iPad training thous far, learning about the different programmes and how this can enhance students learning opportunities. This week Zoe guided us through google drive. Google drive will allow students to save any work that they complete onto this programme.   

Areas for future improvement

• Remember to use real life contexts for students, especially maths as this can engage students and they are able to make connections. 
• Modelling and being explicit with instructions/expectations and not making assumptions. 
• Make sure I follow through with what I say.