Literature Circle Learning Story - Verbs group

Learner:   William (Verb)                                                                         Date: June 2015

Learning Area: Literacy                                         Learning Coach: Diana Wilkes

Learning Observed

All learners require literacy skills in order to be contributors and active participants in society. We believe that learners must study, use and enjoy language and literature when communicated orally, visually or in writing.  We have been working really hard this term to learn how to have a ‘Book Club’ in literacy iDevelop.  We began by learning about how to select and why to select a ‘Best Fit’ book- please ask William what book he is reading and how he knows it is a best fit on a regular basis.  William learned all about the 5 finger strategy to help him choose.  The Verbs group was also introduced to an online book resource called http://booktrackclassroom.com to which William has an account. In our Literature Circle each learner has a different role each week:  Summariser, Literary Luminary, Word Wizard, Discussion Director, Connector, Artful Artist or Researcher which ensures that the book club runs smoothly.  William was a great Artful Artist and has improved the amount of content he can contribute.  He is developing confidence at sharing in our meetings and has been well prepared for some of our meetings.  He participates and contributes in the discussions with prompting.

Evidence of learning

Collaborative Literature Circle Document - Verbs   Snippet of Meeting

Key Competencies/Vision Principles

William is showing Connectedness by relating his work to the text we are reading. He is relating to others well by remaining respectful while others speak and he is Collaborative when he is participating in the discussion.  He is also developing his Capability in reading conversation and oral language.

Next Learning Steps

Always have a Best Fit book at school everyday and read every night at home, out loud when possible Visit booktrackclassroom.com often to read new books Prepare for the Literature Circle meetings in the collaborative google doc and act on the feedback immediately Ask for help when unsure and manage time wisely

William's Music Learning Story

Learner: Willie, William and Justin     Learning Coach:  T.Dillner          Date: 2.6.15

Learning Area: The Arts - Music

Learning Observed

The Keas Hapu group have been learning about the features that we use to make music. They were introduced to the formal language of Tempo, Dynamics and Rhythm. After three sessions, Willie, William and Justin chose to work together in a group to collaboratively write three lots of four beats (rhythm), that had a change in volume (dynamics) and speed (tempo). The learners needed to record their patterns using correct musical notes to show timing and the correct Italian terms to show where the dynamics and tempo changed. The boys then had an opportunity to share this with the Keas and demonstrate their understanding of the three features of music. They used clapping to show these patterns.

Evidence of learning

Key Competencies/Vision Principles

All three boys worked collaboratively to share their thinking and formulate their pattern (Participating and Contributing). By standing up and giving a short presentation, they demonstrated their capability in understanding these three features of music. When we talked about Dynamics and Tempo, the learners were making connections with new vocabulary. They had to make sense of words and symbols in the traditional language of music - Italian (Using Language, Symbols and Texts).

Next Learning Steps

To make up a clapping game that uses the same thinking or language from this activity. In the future, practise musical performances in order to stay in time with one another.

Drama Learning Story - May 2015

Learner:  Kevin, Samantha, Willie and William                             Date: May 20, 2015

Learning Area: The Arts- Drama                                 Learning Coach: Diana Wilkes

Learning Observed

During iExperience this term with the Strategic Leadership Team (SLT), we have been learning how to use movement and space to effectively communicate.  The lasting understanding is that people represent their culture and heritage in different dramatic ways- past and present.  Learners had a variety of opportunities to explore the use of space, props and their body for communicating different ideas.  Kevin worked in a group with William, Willie and Samantha to use dramatic techniques to explore drama elements and conventions.  The group exhibited enthusiasm for performing.  When asked to initiate and develop ideas with others to create dramatic 1 minute skit about a culture, their group selected a Pasifika culture.  They generated a variety of ideas to mime and used props effectively.

Evidence of learning

The team makes effective use of space, facial expressions and movement.

Key Competencies/Vision Principles

All members of this team demonstrated that they can work Collaboratively with others towards a common goal.Together they exemplified Capabilities in following complex instructions and ultimately met the success criteria.  They related to each other well and managed themselves and their time wisely. Together they were able to make Connections between what they knew collectively about the culture and how to express that with movement, no sound and imaginary props.

Next Learning Steps

Further explore movements they can make with body, voice, space, and creation of facial expressions to enhance dramatic effect Practicing drama games at home will enhance their confidence (Props or Charades)