Getting our Hands Dirty

This week in class we had an ‘arts intensive’. From lunchtime to 4:30 we learned how to make a Maori musical instrument called puoro. 

To successfully create the puoro we needed to listen carefully and watch demonstrations that Whaea Ra gave to us. 

When crafted correctly, the clay sphere is able to produce a unique, calming sound. Tumu and Taitokerau both found the technique second nature;  others had to persevere to play the puoro. 

Here are some photos. Soon students will post their instructions on how to make a puoro to their blogs. 

Science - the joys of discovery

How do plants get the nutrients they need? 

Exploring ideas by working through the scientific method, research and hands on task brings a greater understanding of ideas. 

The initial hypotheses of the class were very limited, ranging from a “I don’t know’ to a ‘nutrients are soaked up through the roots because that’s how they get their water”. 

Plan the Experiment 

Make Observations 

40 minutes later

How do we build suspense as writers?

 This week children have been trying to create a feeling of suspense or excitement in their writing.

After examining Paul Mason's story Chicken, techniques to try use are the following:

questioning

Short phrases for impact

Figurative and descriptive language

Planning the most exciting part towards the end

Here is a snippet of Hunia's recount...