To inspire their taonga writing students had a homework challenge. Their challenge was to collect images or items (rather than actual precious things) that represent what is important to them (their taonga). To further the challenge, all items collected had to fit inside a small paper bag. Students had to explain how the items and images collected represented what was important or valuable to them.
Students came up with a variety of creative responses. We had fur, pet food, and nails to represent our pets. Nail clippers, coffee beans, and horse shoes to represent family members. Photographs and small plastic toys were also popular representations of our taonga.
The next step was to write our taonga reports. The writing took place over a number of sessions as we unpacked the structure of an explanation.
Learning Intention: follow a writing structure
Success Criteria
- My introduction includes an explanation as to what a taonga is
- I have used a graphic organiser to group my taonga into three groups of similar ideas.
- I have used sequence language: firstly, secondly, and thirdly, to introduce my three different taonga groups
- I have explained why each of my items is important.
- I have finished my writing with a conclusion. My conclusion includes my thought and feeling about taonga
After we completed the writing process we published our taonga reports on google slides to share with our community. We hope you enjoy reading them and make connections to some of our ideas about what we value and what makes us who we are.
Every child deserves a classroom where they feel valued and well liked by their teacher. This is a goal of mine as it makes a safe place for students to learn and grow. While I enjoy all areas of teaching and learning, mathematics is a particular passion. Supporting students to make connections between mathematical ideas and identify patterns and rules in our number system gets me very excited.
In my classroom students are encouraged to be brave, cooperative, and open to learning. It is a safe place to take a risk. Reflection is important, along with the celebration of student success.
When not at school, time spent mountain biking and exercising my energetic dog keeps me fit for a busy classroom. Helping students learn and develop is at the centre of everything I do and I am happy to continue this journey at Wairakei Primary School.
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