He Puna Tārei, Room 5; Year Four

We used our knowledge of Te Reo Māori to name our taniwha creations. "My taniwha is Parihaunui," said Bhakthi, "because he has big wings." "Parihau means wing and nui means big in te reo Māori." "Mokomokonui is my taniwha because I love lizards and he is a lizard too! Mokomoko is the Māori word for lizard," said Alex. "My taniwha has eaten ten people! So her name is Tekaukai. Tekau means ten and kai means eat," said Tivaniq.

"He aha he taniwha?"  We have learnt that a taniwha is a kaitiaki, a guardian. They are a good luck charm for their people... but others need to watch out because they are very loyal and protective! We created our own, unique taniwha art works to show everyone what our taniwha looks like. First, we designed two taniwha with pencil, then chose our favourite design to reproduce and drew that onto big art paper. Over top of the pencil sketch, we drew black sharpie.  Next, we chose some parts to colour in with crayons or pastels.  Last, we used dye to complete our art pieces.

Geepers, Devin! You are good at making LEGO creations! :)

Click HERE for LINK to photo gallery of the children's CALENDAR ART

On Tuesday we got something very special in the mail... Last term we all wrote passionate letters to Mr. Stuart Nash to try to persuade him to change the laws  to try to save the Maui dolphin from extinctinction, and guess what??!! Today we received a letter back from him, all the way from Parliament, and it even had a very special medal with it!!  And that's not all!! He said that he has listened to us and he HAS changed the laws! He said he has lots of people in boats and even in planes out looking for Maui dolphins to make sure that ALL of their habitat is safe!! YAY, for the Maui dolphins! YAY, for you, Mr Nash! And YAY for all of the awesome kids in He Puna Kōtuitui for working so hard to write such persuasive letters!! GO TEAM!! Thank you, kids!! 

Having a go at making geometric shapes with straws and pipecleaners... We are learning how to use precise mathematical language to describe shapes Click here to go to the photo album for more pictures

Today He Puna Kōtuitui had our very first visit (for the year) to the Boys and Girls Gym Club "I didn't know I could do this!!" Alex excitedly exclaimed. "Is this the first time you've done this, Alex?" asked Miss Swanston.  "YES!!" replied Alex. "Wow! I'm so proud of you for trying something new. Ka pai, Alex! said a beaming Miss Swanston. Click here to go to the photo album

Making geometric shapes... Drake made a pentagonal pyramid! "I know the base is a pentagon because it has 5 sides that are all the same length," said Drake. "It is a 3D shape because it is not flat like a piece of paper."

The children are learning about the history of Aotearoa New Zealand this term. Today we began learning about the great Polynesian explorer and navigator, Kupe. Here are some of the children's artistic impressions of him...