Tuesday 16 April 2013

Bits and Pieces!

Gorgeous marae pictures by Riya, Mikaela and Rebecca, our visit from Daniela and Angus today and reading after lunch in the library corner on Friday. Great sharing and helping going on! The girls wanted to show off their insect necklaces that they made when the letter 'i' was our letter of the week and there is some great maths learning going on! We have been learning to add and subtract numbers up to five.

And then there were 6!

Welcome to the Bright Bugs, Chelsea. It is so nice having you here with us. We love your big happy smile! You are a big 5 year old now! This is a lovely picture of you on your first day of school with Mum.


Letter of the week - E e

During reading time we were doing lots of 'e' activities as this is our letter of the week. Look at our great letter e's that we made with the play dough!

Sunday 14 April 2013

Welcome Nelson

And then there were 5!
A big bright welcome to Nelson who joined the Bright Bugs on Friday. We love having you in Room 10 Nelson. Look at how you can write your name!


Our Marae Experience

Look at the amazing photos and little snapshot videos that we recorded during our time at the Marae. A big thank you to Sonita who put all our photos together to make this cool movie. We look forward to reading your comments on our blog!

Wednesday 10 April 2013

Te Ahu a Turanga Marae Experience

What an amazing day we had! The bus trip was exciting, especially as for most of the Bright Bugs it was their first time on a bus and their very first time on a school trip!
The Marae experience was outstanding. What a fabulous opportunity for all the children, teachers and parents. Thank you to our wonderful team of teachers and supportive, encouraging and helpful parents that made the day such a success. Tini pai rawa!

We took part in many cultural activities starting with a powhiri welcome by Rooms 12 and 14. It was very moving and special for us. They welcomed us onto the Marae as Manuhiri (visitors) and then we became the Tangata Whenua (people who belong). The children were involved in Te Rakau (stick games), Poi, Harakeke weaving (flax weaving), Haka, Sketching of the Wharenui and an art activity inside the wharenui which involved looking at the beautiful kowhaiwhai patterns.
Whew - it was a busy, fantastic experience and I am sure the memories of this day will last the children for many years to come.

Buddy Photo - The Bright Bugs, E9 and the Wise Owls

Monday 8 April 2013

Hongi

Last week The Bright Bugs, The Wise Owls and eNine all got together to practise our hongi for the powhiri at the Marae. We talked about how it is a greeting and a special Maori traditional custom. It is a sign of respect to hongi as a greeting on the Marae. We were amazing, especially as for many of us it was our first time doing this.