Aaron and Selestine's Top Trumps Learning Story

Learner: Aaron & Selestine    Learning Coach: T.Dillner           Date: 6.8.15

Learning Area: Science - Top Trumps

Learning Observed

One of our main areas of learning this term has been about animals and their habitats. Recently, Ms Wilkes has introduced some of our Year 3 and 4 learners to the game ‘Top Trumps’. Before school, I was passing by where Aaron and Selestine were playing together. They were very engrossed in their game and I hadn’t been fully enlightened on the rules, so I decided to sit in. They were having an excellent game using the Auckland Zoo set of Top Trumps cards. This was good to see, as it linked their experience at the Zoo with an ongoing development of knowledge. After they finished their round, Aaron and Selestine asked me if I would like to join in. I accepted this challenge, which two other learners notices and asked if they could also be involved. We all played a round together where I was taught the rules by Aaron and Selestine as we went. I had great fun with the learners and as they were good teachers, I was able to understand quickly and thoroughly. Because of this, I was able to win the round!

Evidence of learning

Key Competencies/Vision Principles

Aaron and Selestine used all four of the Ormiston Primary School Vision Principles. This was an excellent example of how to collaborate and involve others. I was really impressed at how willingly Selestine and Aaron included me and the other learners (Relating to Others). They had positive attitudes, even in the face of loss (Managing Self). Selestine and Aaron were capable of describing the rules to others, as well as decoding the information presented on their own cards. Linking closely to this was their ability to make connections between their card and the information the other players put forward (Using Language, Symbols and Texts). When other people were involved in the game, their curiosity increased. The new players meant that new cards were being introduced and they really wanted to know about each of the animals. Selestine and Aaron would lean closer to the cards on the table to see what the animal was and facts about it (Participating and Contributing).

Next Learning Steps

Use the information on the Top Trumps cards to inform iExplore, iDevelop or iExperience. Begin a Tom Trumps challenge board to find an ultimate LH1 winner. Continue to teach the game to other learners in LH1.

Aaron, Harry and Karis' 3D Shapes Learning Story

Learner: Aaron, Harry & Karis    Learning Coach: T.Dillner            Date: 5.8.15

Learning Area: Mathematics - 3D Shapes

Learning Observed

Aaron, Harry and Karis all opted into a Curiosity Workshop (Teaching Session) about the features of 3D shapes. The workshop looked at the three main aspects of 3D shapes - edges, faces and vertices. Aaron, Harry and Karis had to select a shape at random from the box, and within their group, had to discuss how many edges, faces and vertices each of their shapes had. We compared the different shapes as a large group after everyone had had the chance to discuss with their buddies. The three of them were able to share their learning confidently with everyone. Afterwards, the learners had to complete this online task to collaboratively launch the rocket. This was only possible if they applied all of their 3D shape knowledge.

Evidence of learning

Aaron, Karis and Harry describe the faces, edges and vertices of their shapes.

Key Competencies/Vision Principles

Harry, Karis and Aaron shared their ideas to their group, displaying their capability of using the correct terminology of faces, edges and vertices to describe shapes (Using Language, Symbols and Texts). As well as this, they were able to apply this knowledge to the Follow Up task to successfully apply this knowledge by collaboratively solving problems and puzzles, and organising, ordering and categorising various three dimensional shapes (Thinking).

Next Learning Steps

Teach another learner this information. Look at more complex shapes like hexagonal prisms, spheres, cones or pentagonal spheres.

Zoo Learning Story - July 2015

Learner: Amin, Aaron and Aryan Learning Coach: DWilkes                              Date: July 30, 2015

Learning Area: Science

Learning Observed

Our trip to the zoo was a learning adventure for Aryan, Amin and Aaron.  The boys were split into small groups while we toured the zoo visiting animals from around the world and observing their behaviour and habitats- they were all with me.  The boys loved seeing the red pandas, seals, primates and especially the baboons.  While the observed the different enclosures they were prompted to ‘notice’ the animal habitats and discuss and describe the zoo habitat each animal lived in.  They all asked lots of questions and were eager to move from area to area.   Aaron was a volunteer during the flamingo encounter and helped to demonstrate some of their adaptations.  Amin and Aryan made sure that Peanut the Pukeko was informed at every stop!  They all thought is was very amusing that one of the elephants had the same name as their classmate “Anjli”.  The boys were attentive, collaborative and curious.and enjoyed the opportunity to talk about what they already knew about animals and what they need to survive.

Evidence of learning

Key Competencies/Vision Principles

During the animal encounters with the zoo keepers the boys demonstrated their curiosity when they got to touch the cheetah pelt and skull.  They wanted to know how the zoo keepers got them. All of the boys were managing self during the zoo visit by staying with their groups, buddies and listening to instructions. The three boys were very helpful being good buddies to other learners and demonstrating their manners by holding the aviary doors open for others.  They were collaborative and participated and contributed in all 3 animal encounters: flamingos, cheetahs and elephants.  Amin and Aaron enjoyed watching Aryan connect to his learning from school when he learned about how crocodiles were different from alligators.

Next Learning Steps

Visit the Auckland zoo website to learn more about the animals and their habitats. -share and contribute ideas and questions with the wider group -use zoo learning and wonderings in their Habitat Design learning adventure when we go back to school -make connections to their observations of the animals habitats at the zoo to their natural habitats