iExplore: Darren's in the Garden

Learner: Darren	Date: 4 May, 2017
Learning Area: iExperience (Science) Living World Level 1-2 Recognise that all living things have certain requirements so they can stay alive	Learning Coach: P.L
Learning Observed
During our morning iExplore sessions learners had the opportunity to choose what activity they would like to participate in. Darren chose to learn more about our habitat garden. He showed collaboration by working well with others around him to clean out the weeds from the garden and prepare the garden for a new lot of seeds to be planted. He was capable in using the gardening tools correctly and safely while others were around him. He made connections with his learning to the year prior in gardening and was able to apply this while he was outside in the garden. Darren was curious about what he would find in the garden and what could be planted in it this term.
Evidence of Learning
Next Learning Steps
Continue learning about what plants can be harvested during this season Continue helping to look after the Habitat Garden

Zoo Trip - iExperience Narrative Assessment - 18 November 2016

Learner:  Darren      Learning Coach: Megan Croll - LH2       Date: 18 November 2016

Learning Area: Zoo Trip

Learning Observed & Key Competencies/Vision Principles

Today Darren joined LH2 and LH4 learners to travel by bus to the Auckland Zoo.   This trip was organised as part of our learning about animals - how we can help them and how they can help us.   The learners were greeted by some zookeepers when we arrived at the zoo.  We had morning tea and then, with a zoo map in hand, began our journey around the zoo.   Darren used the map to help guide us around the zoo; using his map reading skills to identify where we were and where we should go next (Using Language, Symbols and Text). After visiting the tortoises and reptiles, we met up with John from Auckland Zoo.   John took us into the Discovery and Learning centre where Darren found out what the zoo does to look after the three Sumatran tigers that they have.  John had a large black plastic container and Darren learned that the tiger would be able to smell his scent if he touched it (Connected). John then took us to the Vet Centre Viewing Gallery.   Darren learned that sometimes visitors can watch an operation take place, but today the windows were covered with curtains.  Here we learned how humans can make life very difficult for some animals.   Our plastic bags can be very dangerous to sea animals if they are swallowed.    After lunch, it was time for more exploring (Curious).   Darren enjoyed walking through the Meerkat tunnels, watching the playful orangutan and observing how gracefully the giraffes walk.  Our day at the zoo went very quickly and there wasn’t even enough time to play on the playground!   I’m sure that Darren would love to come back again with his family to share his learning with them.

Next Learning Steps

Darren has learned about what Auckland Zoo do to look after the many animals that they have.  Some are even endangered.  His next step could be to research an endangered animal to find out why it is endangered and what people are doing to help keep its species alive.

Narrative Assessment - Mathematics - 7 July 2016

Learner:  Darren        Learning Coach:   Megan Croll - LH2                Date:  7 July  2016

Learning Area:  Mathematics

Learning Observed

Today Darren and his maths group were learning to add three numbers together with Mrs Hooker.  They did this by rolling three dice, then using the best strategy to add the three numbers together - either by first adding two numbers together to make ten, or by using their known basic facts to first add two numbers, then the remaining number. Darren was quick to identify the numbers and use his basic fact knowledge to calculate the answer.

Evidence of learning

Darren joined in with a large group to play a maths addition game Darren was keen to share his answer

Key Competencies/Vision Principles

Darren Connected this game with prior knowledge by Thinking about and recalling the basic facts to solve the problems.  He is learning to wait for his turn (Managing Self) to share his answer; allowing others time to think and come up with their own answers. Darren is able to identify numbers and is beginning to use a clearer voice to share his ideas (Using Language, Symbols and Text).

Next Learning Steps

Teach this game to another Learner Share the way that he can solve number problems with another Learner Learn more addition strategies to support solving problems with larger numbers

How Much does it Cost?

Learner:  Darren              Learning Coach: Luisa Maloni  Date: 17th February, 2015

Learning Area: iExplore: Baking Project

Learning Observed

After making countless play dough biscuits, a group of learners wanted to bake some biscuits for an iExplore project. As we planned for our baking project, we realised we needed to know how much it was all going to cost to buy the ingredients. A group of learners including Darren went on a supermarket website to research prices for each ingredient and record these on a ‘costing’ sheet. I observed that Darren really enjoyed this process and was able to support others in how to write the dollar symbol and to include the ‘dot’ or decimal point. I observed that he was very focussed and enthusiastic about this task and at times was able to wait for his turn to find and write the prices. Working together, this group was able to complete the task with little need for support from me!

Evidence of learning

These learners are finding prices for our ingredients from a supermarket website. I wonder if they help with the shopping at home? You can see the final costing in our proposal video to mr McNeil.

Key Competencies/Vision Principles

Darren is demonstrating his Capabilities in writing numbers and searching for items on a website (Using Language, Symbols and Text). His Collaborative skills are also showcased in his abilities to take turns and share his own expertise and enthusiasm with others in the group (Relating to Others/Participating and Contributing).

Next Learning Steps

Develop collaboration skills by continued experiences in small group -task based activities that require an outcome Extend understandings around money and the decimal point through an introduction to our ‘play money’