Electricity

Today we constructed more complex circuits, adding in additional batteries and different devices.

Family Treasures

Thank you to Annabel, Jayden and Lily for bringing in such interesting family treasures to share. Today we had fob watches, an old type-writer and a special carved treasure from China.  The children are so well prepared with their treasure so big thanks to the support they are receiving at home!

Electrical Circuits

In class we constructed some electrical circuits of increasing complexity.

 Initially we found that some of our circuits didn't work and we had to investigate to find out whether we hadn't made proper connections or one component in the circuit was faulty.

  We found out that when 2 bulbs were placed in a series circuit (1 loop) with just 1 battery, the bulbs were very dim or wouldn't light up at all.

Bailey and Hunter constructed a circuit with 3 bulbs and only 1 battery and all 3 bulbs lit up brightly. Bailey explained to the class that he put each bulb in its own loop (parallel circuit) and connected them together with the battery.

Dav Pilkey Trip

On Friday afternoon a group of very excited children got to meet the author of Captain Underpants - Dav (Dave) Pilkey. He talked about how he struggled at school due to learning and behaviour problems, but also how despite difficulties such as ADHD and Dyslexia, he worked with his strengths  at drawing and story telling to become a popular author. His books have started many children off on a reading journey with their quirky illustrations,  memorable characters, crazy story lines and of course; the flip-o-rama.

At the end of the event, they got to meet Dav and he signed books for the children. Thank you to the parents who transported the children to and from the session.

Meeting Dav Pilkey

These lucky Room 16 boys got to meet Dav Pilkey, the author of the Captain Underpants books on Friday.  We look forward to hearing all about their experience.

Family Treasures...

We had more interesting family treasures come to school today, shared by Joe, Harry and Lucy.  It has been wonderful to see the children sharing so confidently on something that has special significance to their family.

Harry shared a special fishing reel that was made by his very clever granddad.  It was made from mahogany wood because this is a very strong wood that can go under water without rotting.  You did a great job of presenting Harry.

Joe brought in a very special piece of grass taken from the Lord Cricket Ground in London.  Joe was born in London and his grandfather really loved cricket so his parents got him this very special keepsake.  You were so confident and well prepared Joe!

Lucy brought in this beautiful wedding dress she wore as a flower girl at her Nan's wedding.  How special to be a part of that.  We loved the little basket that went with it.  She was three when she wore this so probably won't fit it anymore!  Well done on answering all the questions you got so well!

Amazing Art

We have been doing a lot of Art this term, focusing on drawing skills and Maori Art.  The peacocks were created using pastel and dye, after we had read a story about peafowls.  

We are also looking at Maori art this term and have begun weaving using flax.  We have learnt about the protocols around using flax - see if your child can tell you about them.
Come into the class to see more of our work!

Flax Fish

This Thursday we plan to make fish by weaving flax.  We will need a lot of parents to help us, so do come in if you can spare an hour from 1.30pm.  Here is an image of what we plan to do so you could have a little think about it  - or even try it at home before coming into the class to help!

Weaving with Flax

We are learning about Maori Art this term.  Last week we worked with a buddy to weave flax into a small simple mat.  It was a lot harder than we expected and really did need two people to work together!  Come in and see our work in the classroom.

Certificates

Congratulations to Rory, Lily and Lucy who were awarded certificates at the year 3 assembly.

Special Treasures

Each week three children from Room 16 get the chance to share a special family treasure.

 Jackson shared his Hinaku Paepae, which was made out of Harakeke by his Great Grandfather. It would have been used to catch eels. Some of his weaving is exhibited at Te Papa.

Charlotte shared her baby cardigan and dress that has been passed down through her family. Her mum keeps it in a special chest at home.

Tim shared a christening gown that was made in Ireland in 1885 by Annie Crimins. This makes it 130 years old. It has been used as a christening gown for 5 generations of Tim's family, including Tim when he was christened in 2008.

David Walliams

Five children from Room 16 went to see the author David Walliams. He spoke about his books and that he has written both chapter books, as well as picture books. He also talked about where he gets his ideas from and that some of his characters are based on real people that he has met. The children all thought he was pretty funny!

Charlotte's Great Grandfather

Charlotte shared some medals and photos of her Great Grandfather, who served in the Second World War.

ANZAC Posters

The children have been researching an area to do with either World War 1 or Anzac Day. They presented their findings in a poster and shared their learning with the class.