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 - Writing - 22 September 2016

Learner: Darren       Learning Coach: Megan Croll - LH2         Date: 12 September 2016

Learning Area: Writing

Learning Observed

Language features, e.g. similes, are used to give our writing impact.  A simile is when a person or object is compared with another object by using the word ‘as’ or ‘like’.  Darren has been learning how to use a simile in his writing.  The Black Gibbons worked together to brainstorm some similes, then I invited them to use similes to describe the colours of the rainbow. Darren participated in the group brainstorm and discussion, then used some of the ideas from our brainstorm to create his own poetic piece about rainbows.   After writing his draft, he then proceeded to publish his writing and illustrate it; using the correct colours and sequencing as in a rainbow.

Evidence of learning

Key Competencies/Vision Principles

Darren is demonstrating that he is: Collaborative by sharing his ideas with his hapu group during a brainstorm session about rainbow colours. Capable of identifying the most suitable object to compare with each rainbow colour in his similes. Using Language, Symbols and Text by taking care to copy the information from his draft when publishing his work.  The size and shape of most letters are formed correctly. .

Next Learning Steps

Look for similes in the books that you are reading Help another Learner to understand how to use similes in their writing Share this learning at home

Narrative Assessment - iExperience - 12 September 2016

Darren goes for Gold!

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

One Person's Trash can be Another Person's Treasure.

Narrative Assessment - iExplore - 1 June 2016

Learner:  Darren          Learning Coach:   Megan Croll - LH2             Date:   1 June 2016

Learning Area:  iExplore

Learning Observed

Today Darren decided to use the Zoom tool during iExplore.  Firstly, he was interested in finding out how the different coloured sticks attached themselves to the white ball.  Darren started to make a cube shape with short sticks and then extended the length by adding on some longer sticks.  He decided to add yellow sticks at the base so that it could stand.

Evidence of learning

Key Competencies/Vision Principles

Darren was demonstrating his Curiosity through his exploration of how the Zoom tool works, then proceeding to create his design.   He was Capable of using the equipment correctly and making sure that he had sufficient space to make his design (Managing Self).  Darren tried several times to get his design as he wanted it which required some Thinking through, reflection and figuring out what he needed to do to make improvements.

Next Learning Steps

Extend on his design with different sticks from the Zoom tool Work with a partner or in a small team to create something together Help another Learner to create their design