Raroa Normal Intermediate, Wellington Student-led learning

'Doing your own learning really helps you in the real world'

For twins Hannah and Jess, who live with dyslexia, being in charge of their own learning means they can develop and use new strategies. Teacher Chris Johnston says it may look a bit chaotic, but there's a lot of individualised and personalised learning going on.

Summer 2019

Hampden Street School, Nelson Student-led learning

‘We have lots more choices – and lots more ideas’

Children have the information they need now through devices and the internet, says principal Don McLean. So the role of teachers is in the facilitation and activation of learning. His students say, ‘It gets you collaborating.’ For, ORS-funded students it means their strengths can be acknowledged and valued.

Book Review, Summer 2019

Tane Māhuta has a forest

Rebecca Larsen The moment I introduced Tane Māhuta Has a Forest to our tamariki, I had an intrigued audience. They recognised the adventurous characters Pūkeko, Kiwi and Hoiho from Row, row, row your waka, a well-loved CD story at our kindergarten. When the familiar tune of “Old MacDonald” started to play, the tamariki began swaying

Book Review, Summer 2019

The sound of breaking glass

Kirsten Warner This is Kirsten Warner’s first novel – and with an eclectic creative life including journalism (and writing for Ako, go Kirsten!), music and poetry, The Sound of Breaking Glass is jam-packed with ideas, experiences and observations. In the early stages of the book, it’s almost too jam-packed as if a life’s worth of

Book Review, Summer 2019

Why is that lake so blue?

Simon Pollard Planning a science or natural history unit? Not sure where to start? This book is for you. Written by Dr Simon Pollard, biologist and award-winning author, this authoritative guide to New Zealand’s natural wonders has a wealth of information and inspiration for busy teachers. Written especially for young New Zealanders, it provides a