Room 7's Learning Blog

Mr Hutchby is over and out ...

2011-12-13T20:57:00.002+13:00

and welcome to Mr Martin ... have a wonderful time in Room 7 ...

Goodbye Room 7

2011-12-10T18:06:00.002+13:00

Dear Room 7,

I've had so much fun teaching you this year. You have been a fantastic class for me. I liked how you worked as a team. The sleepovers and camp were really enjoyable and we did some amazing things. Thank you for everything.

Andrew

The last Fernridge LIFE ... ever

2011-12-10T18:01:00.002+13:00

Here it is ... the last Fernridge LIFE programme from Room 7 ... ever. It has been so much fun making the show for you in 2010 and 2011. We hope you enjoy the last episode.

Room 7's Xmas Concert Item

2011-12-10T17:56:00.003+13:00

Room 7 kids researched different aspects of child poverty from around the world ... the end result is very thought provoking. Merry Christmas from Room 7.

Room 7's 2011 Camp

2011-11-12T09:47:00.006+13:00

Keep up to date with the latest Camp news ... click here to go to our special fs7 Camp Blog. The kids and I will be uploading photos (and hopefully video) of our time at camp. It's going to be so fun and I can't wait ... Andrew

Room 7's Supa Luv Music Video

2011-10-10T14:44:00.001+13:00

Room 7 has been learning Supa Luv by Korean K-Pop Band - Teen Top, for dance. We decided to make a music video too. You may notice the pixelation in the video ... this is unfortunately due to a faulty video camera ... we only noticed the problem after we had spent hours filming it. We didn't have time to re-filmed ... we hope you like it.

Thank you Room 7

2011-10-08T06:08:00.005+13:00

Thank you Room 7 for another wonderful term. We have had so much fun. I'm going to miss you over the holidays. Make sure you take care of yourself and I can't wait to see you again on Tuesday 25th October. In the meantime, e-mail me and tell me about what you are doing over the break :-)

RWC Themed Puppet Plays

2011-10-07T21:17:00.001+13:00

We have been working on Rugby World Cup Puppet Plays. We wrote scripts, made puppets, and used bluescreens when we filmed. Then we added a background to replace the bluescreen in our video editing software.

Room 7's Supa Luv Assembly Performance

2011-10-07T20:29:00.001+13:00

Here is the video of Room 7 performing Korean K-Pop Band - Teen Top's Supa Luv ... we filmed the music video on Thursday but that is still to be edited. This was filmed in today's assembly.

Stay tuned ... for more Fernridge LIFE

2011-10-05T07:05:00.000+13:00

Fernridge LIFE will be back in Term 4 - bigger and better than ever. Keep your eyes pinned, but don't poke 'em out ;-)

In the meantime, re-watch past editions ...

Friday's Assembly

2011-10-05T05:16:00.002+13:00

During Friday's Assembly, we will be performing this dance by Korean K-Pop Band - Teen Top. We having been practising for awhile now. Initially, we thought it was too hard but we decided to set ourselves a challenge to learn it well which we have almost achieved. We will need to practise right up until show time. We hope to see you at Assembly.

Open Night

2011-10-05T05:09:00.000+13:00

The Open Night is this Thursday. It is a chance for parents and whanau to come a long to school to see what has been going on in each class. In Room 7, we will be sharing our games we have made for technology.

We will also have a TV studio set-up. Recently, we have constructed our own auto-cue with recycled materials. This will be our first chance to test it out.

Today (Wednesday), we will be busy writing scripts for parents/whanau to try out on Thursday. It should be fun.

Room 7's Technology Learning

2011-09-29T05:39:00.002+13:00

This term, in Technology, we are learning about creating and making games. The theme of the games is Rugby World Cup. We have heaps of very cool ideas.

The kids are working by themselves, in pairs or in threes. They had to make simple prototypes to test out game concept. This meant observing other people playing their games (in the adult world the equivalent would be a 'focus group'). Once concept was proven to be successful, students worked on feedback they received during the testing process. Many of them are starting to make the final product.

Here is Josh's game called Try Harder. Its a game of luck as well as strategy. The aim is to be the first player to get over 30 points by moving playing pieces over the points squares. Clever players can knock their opponents back to the starting points (X). Coloured squares change the game such as roll again, miss a turn. Below are the game pieces (famous All Blacks).

Well done Josh ... you worked really hard to get your game finished. I'm proud of you mate.

Keeping it Real 2

2011-09-26T21:03:00.000+13:00

Room 7 never rests on its laurels. The weather was warm and sunny, so we couldn't let the day go by without a game of bull rush. Room 7 rocks!

Food Festival Photos

2011-09-24T10:52:00.000+12:00

Here is a photo diary of Room 7's day on Thursday when we prepared the hangi and sushi for the Food Festival. The kids did an awesome job. Mr Hutchby is proud of you!

The Perfect Breakfast

2011-09-23T15:23:00.000+12:00

Room 7 have been learning about drama and working with School Plays. We turned one into a video.

Video Action from the Rugby Tournament

2011-09-22T04:08:00.000+12:00

The Rugby Tournament was a great success. Thank you to Jayden for being the CEO. And thank you all the kids - you worked hard and played hard ....

Quote of the day: "I asked Mum if I could stay at home [because of the Rugby], but I'm glad I didn't"

Room 6 & 7 Rugby Tournament

2011-09-21T17:56:00.002+12:00

Here are some snaps of today's tournament. Well done to Team England for taking out the competition. Stay tuned for video footage of the Tournament on the Room 6 and Room 7 Blogs

RWC Puppet Plays

2011-09-21T01:08:00.003+12:00

In our Literacy work, we are creating video Puppet Plays. The theme is Rugby World Cup. We are learning how to:

write scripts
develop characters and plots
make puppets
use our voices to show character
work together
perform for camera
search for sound effects on the Internet
use blue screens
edit our video

Here is more from Discovery Time ...

2011-09-21T00:50:00.000+12:00

Jonty has been learning how to build a CD rack ...

Breakfast Cereal anyone????

2011-09-18T16:00:00.002+12:00

Room 7 has been learning about drama and acting by doing school plays. Here is part of an up-and-coming video we are making. It's from a School Journal play - The Perfect Breakfast.

Room 7 Replay ....

2011-09-17T14:10:00.000+12:00

This week is the Fernridge Food Festival and Room 7 will be making sushi to sell ... so I thought you would like to watch these Japan themed videos from 2010 again ...

Room 7's Discovery Time

2011-09-05T20:20:00.002+12:00

Watch what some of Room 7 have been up to in Discovery Time ...

Room 7 keeps it real ...

2011-08-31T18:50:00.001+12:00

Here is video from our bull rush on Tuesday ...

The Perfect Breakfast ...???!!!

2011-08-30T19:45:00.000+12:00

In our reading programme this term we have been focusing on School Journal Plays. Over the past week, we have been working on a play called 'The Perfect Breakfast'. Everyone has practiced the lines of the different characters. We have also explored what a 'perfect' family does and how they act. We are now going to turn the journal play into a short film. The play is set in a TV Studio so here is the beginnings of our fake TV studio.

Discovery Time this week ...

2011-08-29T16:35:00.002+12:00

Caleb and Ed are learning to sign in discovery time ... they have nearly learnt the alphabet all by themselves ... great works boys.

This is cool ...

2011-08-27T22:46:00.001+12:00

Rugby Tournament 2011

2011-08-24T03:32:00.000+12:00

Today, Rooms 6 & 7 started their 2011 Rugby Tournament to coincide with the Rugby World Cup.

Over the next 4 weeks eight teams, led by their Coach/Captains, will be training hard to compete in the whole day tournament to be held near the end of the term.

Our CEO for the tournament is Jayden from Room 7. He is responsible managing the event, coaches, referees and players. He will do a fantastic job.

Each team is representing a country from the World Cup. The teams are Australia, France, South Africa, England, Fiji, Ireland, Italy and Canada. We have two pools - N and Z. There will be 6 games in each pool. The top two teams from each pool will compete in the semi-finals then the two highest scoring teams will go on to the finals.

Closer to the time, we will send home more information on tournament dates and game times. All our parents will be very welcome to come and support on the day ... but until then plenty of training needs to take place.

Another Google Earth Amazing Race ...

2011-08-17T19:59:00.002+12:00

Today we did another Google Earth Amazing Race to perfect our skills with using co-ordinates. We worked on our video editing skills too. Here is the winner's video ... they completed the race in 1 hour and 23 minutes.

Fun in the Snow

2011-08-16T19:24:00.002+12:00

You guys look like you are having heaps of fun ... what was it like trampolining with snow??!!

Another day at home for Room 7 ....

2011-08-16T08:39:00.001+12:00

Things to do if you are bored ....

get a funny photo taken of you in the snow ... email a photo to me and I will blog it (andrew@fernridge.school.nz)
make a creative snow sculpture ... email a photo to me and I will blog it (andrew@fernridge.school.nz)
find out how snow is made ... what is something special about snow's shape?
ask if you can help with cooking or baking
continue with your RuggerMaths game
make a video with your snow photos - hopefully you have movie maker on your PC. Import your photos. Add some titles, transitions, and audio (you might have some sample music on your computer)
have a sleep ... this good for your body and brain
log onto your GoogleDocs and write a story about snow .... here is a starter .... I love snow, but this was almost too much! 20 centimetres of snow in one night. Fortunately, I knew exactly what to do! ...
log onto your GoogleDocs and write a list (be creative) .... 50 uses for snow ...
catch up with the Flip blog

Did you have fun playing in the snow today?

2011-08-15T15:15:00.002+12:00

Me and Mr Day worked very hard today on important stuff ... here our video diary of the day.

Hello Room 7 ....

2011-08-15T08:27:00.000+12:00

Well ... school is closed today so I thought I'd video some of the snow so you could see what it is like. I was hoping to have a big snow fight with you and make snowmen ... that would have been fun. Take care and keep warm. Mr H.

Discovery Time

2011-08-12T09:56:00.000+12:00

“Curiosity is the very basis of education and if you tell me that curiosity killed the cat, I say only the cat died nobly.” Arnold Edinborough

Next Monday we are starting Discovery Time in Room 7. Discovery Time is a chance for Room 7 kids to show curiosity and learn something new of their choice.

Once a topic/activity is chosen the kids need to work on a goal to be achieved within a timeframe. A progress record needs to be kept to show the learning journey. This will be an interesting new development in Room 7's learning programme.

The Google Earth Amazing Race

2011-08-11T18:20:00.001+12:00

In Geometry, we are learning about Position and Orientation. Part of this learning includes knowing how to use an ordered pair of co-ordinates.

Today, we learnt about longitude and latitude lines on the Earth then we started our Google Amazing Race.
Our teacher gave us co-ordinates and clues to search for. Once we had found the amazing things, we needed to take screen shots of them, then make a video about it. Here is the winning team's video.

Look at our great Mathematicians!

2011-08-10T17:25:00.000+12:00

Today ... Josh, Sarah, Taylah, Jayden, Sophie and Taine represented Fernridge School at the Matharapa and got excellent results. Josh, Sarah and Taylah came first out of all the Year 5/6 teams from the Masterton area and Jayden, Sophie and Taine came fourth. Excellent work kids - you rock! I am so proud of you. Mr H.

WOW ...

2011-08-04T22:31:00.004+12:00

... we have an awesome class!

This has been a great week of learning in Room 7. All the kids were so focused on the activities we were doing.

I'm really proud of them ... you rock Room 7 : )

Our new student pages

2011-08-01T16:06:00.000+12:00

Today we worked on our student webpages. This is where we will share some of our work with you.

The first thing we had to do was make avatars using SKYPE's Weemee Maker. We had to try and make the avatars to our likeness and personalities as best as we could.

Then we had to setup our webpages. We added our avatars and some GIF's (graphic interchange files) to make it interesting. Tomorrow we are going to learn how to add HTML coding to our webpages. This will enable us to add gadgets and widgets. Over the next two terms we will add samples of our work for you to look at. Click here to go to the pages or use the link in the left-hand side bar.

Hello everyone ...

2011-08-01T00:01:00.008+12:00

It's Term 3 already - the year is flying by! We have a busy schedule of learning set, so here is the rundown. Don't forget to check out the Flip blog to get extra tutorials and information on some of the work we are learning.

Learning Themes & Units

Health - Nutrition (Life Ed Bus), Understanding ourselves and puberty

Social Studies - Rugby World Cup (Country Focus - Japan)

Technology - Designing and making a game or toy

The Arts - Drama (role plays, acting in School Plays, TVCs, videos)

PE - Orienteering around school, Dance, Rugby

Te Reo/Tīkanga Māori - Manaakitanga

Mathematics

Geometry - Position and orientation (interpreting simple maps, using co-ordinates)

Statistics - Planning and carrying out statistical investigations, graphing results, analysing data

Numeracy - Basic facts, multiplication and division strategies, place value, number patterns, problem solving, working form strategies for addition, subtraction, multiplication and division

Literacy

Reading - Learning Theme related texts, School Plays

Writing - Character descriptions, Innovation on text, Persuasive writing

Speaking - School Plays & Video Making (clarity of speech, timing, projection, characterisation)

Presenting - Handwriting (formation & speed), Advertising (posters, commercials), Props & costumes

English - Spelling lists & activities, Proof reading (capitalisation, punctuation, spelling & grammar)

Digital Literacy

Web Tools - E-mail, personal web pages, Google docs, HTML coding, gadgets/widgets

Video Making - Filming, editing, special effects, audio (short film challenge, TVCs, Fernridge LIFE, Fair Go Kids Ad Competition)

We also have fundraising events for our Term 4 Camp to work on and I am hoping we can visit another school for a mini Rugby Tournament. There is also going to be a Food Festival near the end of term as well as an Open Night.

Some of our learning this term will be done in day blocks but generally we will follow a timetable. Keep checking on our blog to see the work we are doing.

Nō reira, kia ora koutou katoa.

Maths Week 2011

2011-07-27T15:02:00.001+12:00

It's Maths Week soon. There are heaps of fun learning games for us to use in class and at home.

Everyone will get there own login to work on Maths activities and games.

This will be a lot of fun to do. The website is www.mathsweek.org.nz if you want to have a look early.

Learning in Room 7

2011-07-17T20:14:00.000+12:00

In Room 7 we do lots of kinds of learning. One of the things we learn is to use digital media to tell stories or convey messages.

Some people may think that video making is just about having fun ... it is fun, but we learn a lot more than that.

Video making teaches us to think, to manage ourselves, to participate & contribute and to relate to others.

We are also learning about speaking clearly, script writing, drama skills, editing, filming, sequencing ideas, and being creative.

We are developing the confidence to be silly in front of people and not care. We are exploring our imaginations.

So next time you think we are just having fun, please think again. Here is our latest video ... we hope you like it.

Reports and Work Sample Portfolios

2011-07-11T23:40:00.000+12:00

Kia ora everyone,

Over the past few weeks I have been preparing reports and work sample portfolios. The job has been taxing and tiring, but I am pleased to report that they are all done. They will be sent home this Friday.

You'll notice a change since our last reporting cycle. We now have a three A4 page report detailing progress against National Standards for Reading, Writing and Mathematics. There is a section that indicates whether your child is likely to or unlikely to meet National Standards for these areas.

We have suggestions about how you can help your child at home. Other curriculum areas are reported on too as well as general comments.

The portfolio has transformed into a document of work samples. The samples are mostly copied from your child's books. These are a true and fair reflection of what your child is doing in class.

Thank you always for your input into your child's education.

New blog features ....

2011-07-11T23:38:00.000+12:00

We have some new features to our blog ... you can now like our page on Facebook or tweet it on Twitter. Also there is a page tab above for our video too ...

At the moment we are producing a music video called 'Last Term at School' ... it should be ready by Friday. Today we recorded the track and tomorrow we start filming ... so check back soon to watch it.

Whaea Queenie's Visit

2011-07-05T19:06:00.000+12:00

Today, Nanny Francis helped Room 7 welcome Whaea Queenie and her cousin to Fernridge School.

We had a powhiri to welcome them to our school.

Whaea Queenie told us the story of Turongo and Mahinarangi. We did some tirakau too.

Check out Toby wearing a traditional men's cloak.

Frozen desserts ...

2011-07-05T18:42:00.000+12:00

Today we investigated energy transfer from ice to liquids and how coarse salt can help to reduce the temperature of ice even further. We put yogurt and flavoured milk into small ziplock bags. Then we put these into bigger ziplock bags with cubed ice and salt. We flipped and rotated the bags around until our frozen desserts were set. Then we eat them of course.

Our new music video is in production .... stay tuned!

2011-07-05T18:25:00.001+12:00

Electricity ...

2011-07-01T17:33:00.000+12:00

The was certainly a buzz going round the room when we learnt how to make an electricity circuit using batteries, jumper leads and bulbs.

We also made switches to turn our lights on and off.

Here is Jonty, Toby and Max's circuit and switch .... and below Rosanna, Katelyn and Sophie made this one.

We made these awesome looking manutukutuku

2011-07-01T17:25:00.000+12:00

Nanny Frances, from the Town Library, came to show us how to make manutukutuku.

They are made from toetoe, raupo, wool, feathers and shell. Manutukutuku have been made and flown for hundreds and hundreds of years.

Our ones are for show ... but I wonder if we can make some that can fly?

3D Paintings

2011-07-01T17:17:00.000+12:00

In Geometry, we have been learning how to draw in 3D view. Here are some 3D paintings we did.

Mentos and Diet Coke Geyser Video

2011-07-01T17:09:00.000+12:00

Mentos and Diet Coke Geyser

2011-07-01T16:39:00.000+12:00

We had a fine day to test our Mentos and Diet Coke Geyser. As you can see the experiment worked. Afterwards we learnt that nucleation causes this effect.

The experiment calls for four Mentos candies to be dropped into the Diet Coke bottle at once. Nucleation occurs instantly between the thousands of pits on the Mentos and the millions of carbon dioxide gas molecules in the drink, causing the rush of the foamy ‘carbon dioxide filled liquid’ to escape from the bottle. The bubbles stay together for a short time and the foam jet eventually drops to the ground releasing the gas.

Feedback on your children ...

2011-06-24T13:41:00.000+12:00

One thing I keep hearing from people is how well behaved and well mannered your children are. On yesterday's trip to town I was stopped by one of the swim instructors who wanted to tell me that the kids were lovely. Comments like this are fantastic to hear as it makes you feel like you are doing something right. I am lucky to be teaching in Room 7 this year. Andrew : )

Here is a Matariki Legend from Room 7

2011-06-10T09:36:00.001+12:00

We live in an amazing universe ...

2011-06-09T19:57:00.000+12:00

Check out this huge solar flare on the Sun's surface on 7th June.

Matariki Sleepover

2011-06-09T19:45:00.000+12:00

We had a great time on our Matariki Sleepover. All of the kids were very well behaved and extremely polite and well mannered. The parent helpers commented that they were impressed with how well Room 7 students got on together.

We were lucky enough to have Nanny Francis from the Masterton Library come to tell us some legends and stories in the evening. Later on, she came back with a telescope for us to use in the morning.

Our Matariki Concert had some funny moments. The Mystery Show was one highlight. The single contestant (Taine) was blind folded, tired to a chair with skipping ropes, had his feet placed in a bucket of water. The mystery was then revealed to him and the audience that the Mystery Show was actually a Make-up Show. Taine looked great with lipstick, eye make up and his nails painted bright pink. Of course, once he was released he raced off to remove his makeover, but unfortunately for him he ended up with a large pinkish smear all over his face.

At about 9.30pm we did some karaoke for about an hour. Sasha's dad Mark was particularly awesome at it, especially with the 90's hit 'Barbie Girl' by Aqua. The kids had a fun time doing this too,

It was lights out at 11ish but several young lads couldn't stop shining their torches around the hall and a small group of giggly girls couldn't stop making noises either.

We woke up early in the morning and had a great view of the stars, except for a band of cloud on the horizon to the east. This cloud eventually blocked our view of Matariki, but were were able to see Venus through the telescope.

Before breakfast we had another round of Sumo Wrestling. Camryn was pretty good at this and she showed us her talent for this by dropping Jonty to mattress in one impressive move. Breakfast saw vast quantities of toast, spaghetti, fruit and cornflakes were devoured. Some students seemed to have bottomless pits for stomachs.

During the day we took it easy. We did though, prepare the hangi for Friday's lunch. That was a production line mission. This sleepover was great experience. We are lucky to be part of an awesome class at Fernridge School.

Hangi for Lunch on Friday

2011-06-09T17:33:00.000+12:00

Today, Room 7 prepared nearly 200 hangi trays for Friday's lunch. There was a production line with lots of the kids being a great help. The hangi has chicken, potato, kumara, pumpkin, peas and stuffing. Room 7 - you did an awesome job. Mr H.

FLIP - Get Ready for Learning

2011-06-05T14:17:00.000+12:00

fs7 has a new blog. Its called 'FLIP - Get Ready for Learning'. The idea of FLIP is to prepare students for the learning ahead (or it can be used as a revision tool). Click the FLIP link in the left sidebar of this blog or go to fs7flip.blogspot.com to see whats there.

Fernridge LIFE 2011 Term 2 Week 5

2011-06-03T04:54:00.000+12:00

Fernridge LIFE 2011 Term 2 Week 4

2011-05-27T12:05:00.000+12:00

New edition of Fernridge Life coming soon

2011-05-26T17:59:00.000+12:00

Today we filmed a new edition of Fernridge LIFE ... with lots of laughs as usual. We are now filming in 16:9 widescreen. It will be webcast on Monday or Tuesday next week.

We have struck a slight problem with our video camera though ... it's stopped working so, temporarily, we are using lower quality cameras. Hopefully the good camera gets fixed soon and we will be back to normal quality.

Get posts in your Inbox

2011-05-23T18:24:00.000+12:00

Keep up to date with what's happening in Room 7 by getting blog posts delivered direct to your email inbox. Use the 'Follow by Email' sign up box to activate this function ...

Pyjama Day Fundraiser

2011-05-20T18:28:00.000+12:00

Today, Fernridge students wore their pyjamas to school to support the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.

A total of $233.70 was raised.

Have you ever wanted to take a ride in one of those rescue helicopters?

Click here to take a virtual tour of a rescue helicopter cockpit.

Crazy nuts ... cool stuff with Geometry

2011-05-16T20:46:00.000+12:00

Matariki Sleepover Variety Concert ...

2011-05-16T19:40:00.000+12:00

For our Matariki Sleepover, we are organising a Variety Concert. Last week, students made small groups and decided on an act to perform to the parents and whanau at the sleepover. So far, we have dance, singing, skits and some quizzes.

We are also performing some group items. One of the songs we are going to sing is Poi E by the Patea Maori Club. We are learning some other songs too ....

What we are doing in Geometry ....

2011-05-16T18:47:00.000+12:00

This term, in Geometry, we are working on identifying and classifying polyhedron (3D shapes) as well as creating nets for them. A net is a polyhedron that is opened out flat.

Today we drew nets, on grid paper, for a hexahedron (cube) so a small object could fit inside. This meant we had to use a ruler to carefully measure the object then plan out the net so it was the right size. We know that all edges on a hexahedron need to be equal.

Once we completed the hexahedron, we started using Publisher to make triangular prisms nets, like this Toblerone packet.

We had to carefully observe a made Toblerone package. It has 3 rectangles and 2 equilateral triangles.

The good thing about using a computer program like Publisher to make nets is that any mistakes can be easily fixed.

Kia ora koutou e whanau ma ...

2011-05-14T20:01:00.000+12:00

We have started Term 2 with lots of positive behaviour from everyone. This has been great to see.

Over the holidays, Room 7's ANZAC Day artwork and literacy work featured in the St. Matthews Church ANZAC Concert. One special moment from the concert was when some of Room 7's postcards were read out. Everyone in the church was silent - you could have heard a pin drop. A big thanks to all the students who worked hard on their work. Well done.

A big event for Room 7 this term is the Matariki Sleepover on June 8th in the school's hall. This year will be the third year we have run this event. A big feature of the sleepover is the Variety Concert ... students have already begun planning their items, and of course parents and whanau are welcome to come and watch on the evening.

At the end of the term, student reports and portfolios of work samples will be sent home, reflecting the progress and achievements for the first half of the year. This will be a big task for me ... hopefully everything is straight forward.

The Goal Setting Meetings this week were very productive. Students have set achievable goals to work on at school and at home. The Home-School partnership is so important to help students to progress in their learning.

In Term 1, we started on our video making journey with a few episode of Fernridge LIFE in the can ... so stay tuned as there is more Fernridge LIFE coming your way soon ... the students have lots of ideas to explore. Last year, Room 7 said Fernridge LIFE and other video projects helped them with their confidence. I think confidence is a key thing to being successful as adults.

Well that's all for now ...

Andrew