Christmas Stars as a maths activity

Thank you to Facebook user Art Teacher Life for sharing this video!

Uses paper bags - could be a great collaborative group task - think about colour and design, pattern and symmetry...

Peer to peer critique and feedback

Problem-based Learning - 'real life' in the classroom

Very cool programme - I'm thinking about how I might be able to do the same to make my maths programme more 'real' and more effectively teach skills alongside strategies and knowledge.

http://www.theedadvocate.org/mr-johnsons-classroom-fun/

From Didactic Pedagogy to New Learning

From the website http://newlearningonline.com/  - lots of information and ideas about modern teaching/learning practices - based on the book by Mary Kalantzis and Bill Cope:  New Learning: Elements of a Science of Education, Cambridge University Press, second edition, 2012.

Wildlife Photo Awards

Some great nature photos can be found here - use them as oral language or writing starters!

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/gallery/2016/oct/18/2016-wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-winners-in-pictures

This one, by Tim Laman, is my favourite!

Making OTJs

With Term Four being a crucial term for assessment and reporting at all levels of the school, here are a few links to some NZ MoE information on reporting from the TKI Assessment Online site:

Making an overall teacher judgement

Definitions of achievement in National Standards

Clarifications about National Standards - addressing some common misunderstandings

(sometimes it’s easy to get confused, so important to make sure we hear/read/understand clearly…)

Our Community of Learning has made a national press release!

https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/more-half-schools-communities-learning

And there is quote from me in the LMV article at the bottom!