Literature Learning Circle - Adjectives Group

Learner:  Shivran (Adjectives)                                              Date: June 2015 Kevin, Imran, Jessica, Rahi, Nehaal, Shivin, Sadeen & Vrishti

Learning Area: Literacy                                         Learning Coach: Diana Wilkes

Learning Observed

Reading research shows that good readers Read extensively Integrate information in the text with existing knowledge Have a flexible reading style, depending on what they are reading Are motivated Rely on different skills interacting: perceptual processing, phonemic processing, recall Read for a purpose; reading serves a function With this in mind we deliberately constructed a ‘book club’ of sorts this term. We began by learning about how to select and why to select a ‘Best Fit’ book- please ask Shivran what book he is reading and how he knows it is a best fit on a regular basis.  The Adjectives learned all about the 5 finger strategy to help them choose a book.  The Adjectives group was also introduced to an online book resource called http://booktrackclassroom.com which can be accessed anytime. 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. It has been fantastic to observe Shivran engage with each of these roles seamlessly and actively contribute to conversations- he is often a role model for the other learners.

Evidence of learning

Collaborative Google Doc        Snippet of meeting

Key Competencies/Vision Principles

Shivran is showing Connectedness by relating his learning 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 Ensure that he is ready for the meetings Visit booktrackclassroom.com often to read new books

Shivran's Music Learning Story

Learner: Ved, Arnav and Shivran     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, Ved, Arnav and Shivran 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:  Shivran, Arnav, Aniq                                              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. Shivran, Arnav and Aniq worked together to use dramatic techniques to explore drama elements and conventions and exhibited enthusiasm for performing.   When asked to initiate and develop ideas with others to create dramatic 1 minute skit about a culture, the group selected Indian culture. They generated many ideas of what to perform.  They used props well and had a lot of fun, however the overall performance was rough.

Evidence of learning

The team makes 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 however, they barely met the success criteria. 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 Focus on the task, the success criteria and practicing to ensure their performance is clear to the audience- I suggest playing some drama games at home like ‘Props’ and ‘Charades’