One of the picture books we've explored is 'The Fierce Little Woman and the Wicked Pirate' by Joy Cowley, beautifully illustrated by Sarah Davis. This story vividly describes a fierce little woman living at the end of a jetty, knitting socks and playing bagpipes. When a lonely pirate disrupts her solitude, the story unfolds with themes of kindness and understanding.
Through repeated readings, students not only learned new words and also grasped their meanings through discussions.
jetty - made out of rocks or wood and goes out over the water.
trap door - a door that leads outside on the floor or roof.
fierce means someone will attack you, or who is angry.
The pirate was going to bash the door down. She didn't throw him out to sea. The pirate was going to bash the trapdoor open.
Students even retold the story from memory, demonstrating their comprehension and engagement with the text.
Another book students explored was 'I am Jellyfish' by Ruth Paul, where students identified descriptive words such as "glittering," "glows," and "tingle," deepening their understanding of imagery and sensory language.
Ollie - glittering - sparkling
Max - glows - lights up
Billy F - demanding - the swordfish’s tummy wants the jellyfish.
Beyond vocabulary development, these sessions encouraged creativity. For instance, after reading 'The Paperbag Princess' by Robert N Munsch, students created their own costumes and discussed character traits like bravery and independence.
when you call someone a Toad it means they are not nice.
Elizabeth rescued Ronald and then he was mean to her.
Elizabeth tricked the dragon.
Great teachers inspire. This belief resonates deeply as a lifelong learner. Good teachers inspire and motivate students to reach their full potential in a caring environment, a philosophy carried into every classroom session at Wairakei Primary School.
Specialising in Mathematics education creates opportunities to show students multiple strategies for problem-solving. Embracing a growth mindset encourages everyone to take risks, make mistakes, and most importantly, learn from these experiences. Time spent outdoors, away from the classroom, naturally sparks conversations about the environment and sustainability.
Being local to Taupō offers endless enjoyment of what this beautiful area provides. Morning walks with husband and dog along the lake or river, coffee catch-ups with friends, cherished family gatherings, and peaceful gardening sessions fill days with joy. When not appreciating Taupō's natural splendor, time by the sea at Papamoa offers another beloved retreat.
The classroom becomes a place where mathematics comes alive, where mistakes are celebrated as learning opportunities, and where students discover the tools they need to become confident, resilient individuals. Every day brings new chances to inspire young minds who approach life's challenges with curiosity and determination.
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