Thursday 23 February 2017

So many activities!

What a beautiful day to be out exploring lots of activities! During Tinkering Time the students have a wide range of physical, creative, problem solving or collaborative activities. Before they start we discuss the focus of the day and what it looks like - this week was being tidy. After 20 mins of exploring the activities the students are brought back to reflect and are given feedback on how they did. They then get to have another go for 20 mins and we collect our observations again for another reflection at the end of session. Whatever the feedback, as you can see, there is a lot of engagement and joy! 


Tuesday 21 February 2017

Tinkering Time

Following on from yesterday another group made an amazing Jenga Domino run. Look at their joy!!



Other learning that has been happening at Tinkering Time is based around how our brain works best, collaboration, creativity and looking after our resources. Take a look at what's been happening:














Monday 20 February 2017

It's a Chain Reaction

During Tinkering Time a group collaborated to make a Jenga domino run. This led on to a discussion about how we can spark ideas from each other and start a chain reaction. Tino pai!!


Learning Buddies



We are building a culture of collaboration, with a particular focus on coaching and modelling. The students have been placed with buddies who can support and guide them through the first couple of weeks. They are currently sharing trays to help them learn how to organise and use it effectively. It was wonderful to see the students take their learning from last year and implement it so quickly this year, they have been so patient and helpful so far. Fantastic start!

Creating and Activating Defined Spaces

 



During last week students learnt about their brain in a variety of spaces in the habitat. The Dragons Den turned into a cinema where they watched some great shows on the brain and they learnt about 'The Wizards Workshop' where they collaborate on designing art for the environment. They later went onto the 'Makerspace' to create their art with the paints. They created potions for the 'Wizards Workshop!'  

Tuesday 14 February 2017

Curiosity time


Today in Pounamu we sparked our curiosity and made some Thaumatropes. We are learning how our brain works and these are like a magic trick.





Wednesday 8 February 2017

Creativity and collaboration

Pounamu have been showing their creativity during tinkering time. Here are some of their fabulous creations;














Tuesday 7 February 2017

Afternoon Rotations

During the afternoon students were enjoying a range of activities based around working together and keeping things tidy. Our wonderful mentors have such a diverse range of passions and skills, the students will be spoilt for choice with these creative, fun activities!




Important Routines

A couple of regular routines were introduced today. The Pounamu students will be enjoying regular PE and fitness with games like 'Midnight', which showed there was a lot of enthusiasm for competitive games! The students will be tidying and organising the habitat together during the day, check out those shoes! Impressive. We introduced the expression - 'Full Attention,' which is when the students sit up straight with legs crossed and give the speaker absolute full attention for a couple of minutes of listening. By the looks of the photo, they seem to have an excellent grasp of that!