QR Code Test

I didn’t think it would, but the weather just about held off and gave us enough time to do our QR Code Maths test. If you’re not sure what a QR code is then check out the one below by scanning it with your mobile or iPad; they’re on lots of things nowadays. I created 10 codes and each one had a maths problem relating to the topics we’ve learnt in class. In pairs, they used an iPad to scan the code and then they worked out the answers. The answers to these topics were generally the room numbers of the next code in the process and the students had to follow the map of the school to get to that room. They also had to answer the question correctly in order to get to the right class. However, some of the problems were a little more complex and required them to work out the clues they were given. It sounds complicated, but it’s pretty simple and the students seemed to enjoy their “test”.

Elizabeth scans a code.

Elizabeth scans a code.

Lisette & Savannah

Lisette & Savannah work it out.

A QR Code

A QR Code

Meccano Part 2

To update you on a previous post, the Meccano models were a great success. It wasn’t just the experience of making something that they normally wouldn’t (Meccano was in mine and all my friend’s homes when I was a kid), there were so many more positive aspects to this activity. The students had their partners picked for them, each ending up with a partner of the opposite sex. From this they gained a greater appreciation of the equality of our talents and skills. They used oral and physical cooperation skills throughout the activity and they learnt to read technical instructions and refer to parts lists. They also learnt to solve problems, sometimes having to undo their work to correct an earlier mistake. Finally, students have to take apart their model and carry out an inventory of all the parts to make sure we have everything. This is an activity I love including in the school year and is certainly one I’ll continue.

cropped-DSCN3853-1pa7g9t.jpg

Samuel and Tarnika

 

DSCN4093

DSCN4017

Book Week

Our recent book week was an absolute belter! The students had the opportunity to dress up as a character from a book and they really made the most of it. It’s almost impossible to describe the number and variety of characters that were on show; just think of a book and there was probably a character in the school that day. Below are a few from our class. Can you recognise them?

Lily

Lily

Sam

Sam

Bianca

Bianca

Gaming

I know many people think the term “gaming” is fairly new, but gaming (or simply playing games) has been part of life for thousands of years. When I take a nostalgic stroll through the many decades of my own life (not as many as some may think), some of the best parts include those fabulous family evenings playing board games. There were classics like Escape From Colditz, Mousetrap and Monopoly; Kerplunk was awesome when I was very young, then Cluedo as I got older; a little more obscure was Capital Adventure where general knowledge questions and money would take me around the world.

Whilst I was having fun, I had no idea (and certainly didn’t care) that I was absorbing the educational benefits that go with gaming. There are the obvious social benefits that come from interacting with other: building friendships, using manners, taking turns and developing oral language skills. I learnt to understand rules, agree to them and follow them closely. I projected my thoughts forward in the game to predict outcomes, plan my own strategy and solve ongoing problems. On a basic level, if I played with two dice then I instinctively absorbed all the permutations of pairs of numbers up to 6. I carry with me these number recognition skills which became invaluable when calculating patterns which total 10, the very basis of our number system. Games like Boggle also assisted in helping develop my word recognition and spelling, as did Scrabble. All this while thinking I was just having fun!

Because of this we have decided to invest in some games for the senior block and will be integrating them into group sessions. If you are able to play games at home, then go for it, jump in and make a few memories of your own (and perhaps learn a thing or two at the same time).

40 Hour Famine

I’m a big supporter of charities, it enables me to feel I’m actually doing something about all the inequalities we see in the world (perhaps even easing my guilt at being so fortunate). Many of these inequalities could easily be resolved with the right will and international leadership, but unfortunately politics and national interests often get in the way. This often means it’s left to the people, the individuals and organisations within a country to take the lead on such important, life changing issues. We, as teachers, should be shouting about these issues at the tops of our voices, giving our students a positive example to follow and encouraging them to become the enablers of positive change. However, some of our amazing youth often beat us to it. One of my former students, Demi, has just completed a 40 hour famine to raise funds for children suffering in poverty. She starved herself for 40 hours in order to make a positive difference to the lives of people less fortunate than herself and to better understand exactly what it is to be truly hungry. Follow the link above to read of her efforts, and while you’re there have a read through her awesome blog.

Lapathon

Last week we had the annual lapathon. This is where the students attempt to run 20 laps on the school oval and find people to sponsor them. The money raised all goes to charity and this year it will go towards helping rebuild schools in Nepal that had been devastated during the terrible earthquake. Luckily, the weather just about held off and the students rose to their challenge, completing their laps as best they could. Tom finished first for our class, although others were close behind and some even managed to run extra laps. I was exhausted just watching them! Check out the images below.

 

Shantelle on her way.

Shantelle on her way.

Tom finishes his laps.

Tom finishes his laps.

Superstar Bloggers & Cross Country

It can be very difficult for some students to keep up with their blogging on top of all the other work they have to complete in class. However, I definitely have some superstar bloggers in this class and they deserve a little “shout-out”. If you are passing through and reading my blog make sure you give these students a visit: Tarnika, Elizabeth, Shantelle, Lisette, Lily, Jayden.

On another note, our school participated in a cross country event against other local school and enjoyed incredible success. One of the biggest success stories was our very own Elizabeth, who came third overall in the girls’ contest. Well done to all the students and to the awesome Mr Jones, our superstar Phys. Ed. specialist.

Elizabeth and her medal.

Elizabeth and her medal.

Meccano

As part of our English activities we’ve just begun using Meccano in the classroom. Meccano is such a fabulous tool with a huge educational value. Besides helping the students develop their problem solving skills and their construction skills, it is also great for their literacy development. The students are having to cooperate in pairs as they attempt to read, decipher and follow the fairly complex instructions. As well as requiring good reading skills, the students have to use clear, polite and constructive conversation skills to overcome any difficulties they encounter. When finished they should have a great model with battery operated, working parts.

Jayden and Mae

Jayden and Mae

Samuel and Tarnika

Samuel and Tarnika

Dinesh and Samantha

Dinesh and Samantha

Holidays

The blog’s been a little quiet recently, but that’s not surprising seeing as we’re on our end of term holidays. Just to keep you updated, I’ve been having a great time in Cairns. I haven’t been before and I didn’t really have any expectations, but I have to admit that it’s one of the best places I’ve ever visited. The scenery is breathtaking and I reckon it won’t be too long before I come back. Check out the photos below (I hope this all works – I’m doing it from my iPhone).

20150713-161157.jpg

20150713-161229.jpg

20150713-161247.jpg

Blogging Task #5

This task is all about the year so far. We’ve accomplished so much this year, but what parts of it have stuck in your minds most? Write a post about how you think this year has gone. You may like to consider how you are progressing, maybe how you’ve found the work, perhaps which activity has been your favourite. What are your hopes for the rest of the year? With only 20 weeks of primary school life left how would you like those weeks to go?