Wheel Day Friday 29th April 2016

We jumped at the opportunity to extend our children's interest in bikes when Esther mentioned that Andre (parents) would like to bring in Hemi and Jasmine's motorised cars for our tamariki to try.

So, up went the 'Wheel Day' posters, out went the lunchbox notices and come Friday, all our tamariki turned up with their bikes, scooters, and skateboards, and of course their keenness to get started!

Thanks to planning and permission from Mr Sean, we occupied the Glen Innes Primary School grounds for the entire day. 

Thanks to Andre's love of re-building with recycled bits and bobs, many of our tamariki had the opportunity to experience something new...motorised cars! With the support of Esther, Andre and his fan club of speed racers drove around the grounds in an orderly fashion, while waiting patiently to share and take turns.

Through observations and discussions, Esther and staff came up with further ideas and suggestions for next time. These included: Inviting our local Community Constable, and making road signs with our tamariki.

As the day went on, and tamariki demonstrated confidence in riding their wheels on the schools ground, they participated in some competitive, fun bike and running races.

It was enlightening to see our faster tamariki support their, not so fast friends, by using encouraging language like "you can do it" and "keep going" These words worked wonders for children's confidence.

'Children develop positive and constructive attitudes to competition, and a sense of responsibility and respect for the needs and well-being of the group, when they experience an environment where they are encouraged to learn with and alongside others'

Te Whariki-Contribution Goal 3.

This weeks happenings

Here are just a few moments from this week that our tamariki may want to share with their families...

ANZAC Celebrations

Today we had the pleasure of listening to Paul (Veronica's Dad), and Rosie (our teacher), share their stories about family members who went to war.

Veronica's Great Grandfather 'Neville' fought in World II, while Rosie's Great Great Great uncle 'Jam' fought in World War I.

Paul had many historic documents and war medals to share with our curious tamariki and staff.

Rosie and her son Nathaniel shared their story with a display of maps, stories, and photographs.

We are also grateful to Jessie and Zion's mum Crystal, for sharing their family ANZAC stories about their Great, Great, Great, Great Uncle Albert, and Great, Great, Great Uncle Eric.

After thanking our guest speakers, everyone took a moment to show respect to our fallen soldiers by having a minute of silence.

Our day of remembrance was ongoing with families and staff contributing lots of yummy food for our shared Kai lunch.

What a fantastic day we've all had! We are thankful to those who proudly shared historic family moments, and grateful to everyone for taking the time to bring food to share, and spend the afternoon just enjoying each other's company. 

Well done to everyone who helped to make today a fun learning experience for our tamariki.

We wish all our families, friends and staff of Apii Potiki a very safe and happy long weekend...lest we forget 🙏🏽

ANZAC Biscuits

There's been lots of counting, measuring, estimating, and baking happening in our kitchen this morning (Exploration/Mathematics)

Tamariki have been busy baking some ANZAC biscuits with Deidre & our student teacher Faith.

Now they get to taste their cookies after their fruit during morning tea time:)

Welcome to our new Tamariki

Today we say a big, warm KIA ORANA to our new friends - Liku, D'wayne, Ace and Tevita.

Poppy Shaped Biscuits & ANZAC Medals

Following on from the last few days where we created our window poppy garden, we decided we would try baking some poppy shaped cookies.

Many of our tamariki chose to participate, especially when they saw that there was chocolate involved:)

During this experience tamariki demonstrated curiosities toward colour, texture, taste, and smell.

'Tamariki develop strategies for actively exploring and making sense of the world by using all the senses' - Exploration Te Whariki - Goal 2.

ANZAC Medals 

Our teachers May and Terri implemented the idea of ANZAC into children's outdoor play today when they discussed how soilders were presented medals as a sign of recognition and bravery. From here, tamariki were presented with an opportunity to create their own medals using glue and collage pieces.

'Children develop awareness of connections between events and experiences within and beyond their Apii'

Belonging-Goal 2.

Some of our Learning Moments this Week

This week has been another busy one. 

It has consisted of developing an understanding of ANZAC, and learning ways of how to look after ourselves if an earthquake should ever strike.

We welcome all our families to come and check out our ANZAC poppy gardens.

EARTHQUAKE DRILL

Our Earthquake Drill was based on information gathered from the Ministry of Education website.

We prepared for our drill by watching 'Stan' the dog on our iPad. Stan showed us how to keep safe through the 'Drop, Cover and Hold' procedure. We also practiced keeping 'Turtle Safe' i.e. rolling ourselves up like turtles.

Big Boys & Big Girls (Buck Stowers)