SLJ (W3/A21): It's Cool to be Kind

 LI: To create a google draw that showcases the replies on your blog.

The above google draw is my second activity in week three for the Summer Learning Journey that I have completed today. We were asked to create a google draw which showcases a comment on my blog and the reply I have written to it. A positive comment is when the person gives a kind feedback, advise or a question and I think I found  the best example for it which was written by Fiona Rua who is from the Summer Learning Journey Team. While writing a comment I made sure that I include important points like thanking the commenter, linking the ideas and asking a question so we can create a comment thread. The thing I found interesting in this activity is that a comment is knowledgeable and important for the reader and the commenter as well, because the reader gets a chance to understand its mistakes and make improvements but on the other hand the commenter gets a chance to create a learning conversation and ask their questions. I liked completing this google draw because I could revise more about this topic and I am looking forward to complete my other tasks as well.

SLJ (W3/A20): Super Column with Nanogirl

 LI: To create a screencastify showcasing the super column I created.

Today, I have completed my first task of week three for Summer Learning Journey activity and have created a screencastify that shows the super column I created with some paper and cardboard. First, I watched the introduction video Nanogirl has uploaded on her site and I came to know many new things. I started by learning the parts of a super column in more detail. It consists of a floor, roof and wall. The floor and roof creates a base and helps carry the weights whereas the wall or pillars have the main role of making it stand. Basically, we have created this activity to showcase a rough model of a building and find the best shape for the pillar to stand.

I started by collecting all the equipments that were required to run the activity which were, two circular shaped pillars, two triangle shaped pillars, a piece of paper, tape, weights and two same sized cardboard. Then I started by making the flat pillared column, in which I attached the piece of paper with the help of tape, on the cardboard. Later I added the weights but the column couldn't hold even one, as it collapsed. I did the same thing with the triangular and circular shaped pillars but both had different outcomes. The triangle shaped ones could hold three weights whereas the circular shaped ones could hold all four weights. In conclusion, I came to know that circle shaped pillars are the most effective ones out of all as it had the highest durability. 

I really enjoyed doing this activity because I came to know more about the structure of building as well as got a cool way for finding the reason behind the shape of pillars. The part which I enjoyed the most was creating the structure because it kept me busy for a long time. The tricky part in this activity was clicking the picture because many times the structure collapsed and I needed to make it again. I think the advice I would give to the creators who haven't done the experiment yet, is to have another person with you so that they can click the picture of the structure at the right time. I am excited to complete other Summer Learning Journey activities as well.

SLJ (W2/A19): Step it up 3D Paper

 LI: To record a screencastify and explain how I made a fingertrap.

The above screencastify is my step it up task as the nineteenth activity for the Summer Learning Journey. For making this screencastify I started by making my fingertrap by following the introduction video that was provided to us and I made sure that I clicked a picture of ever step I do. Then I combined all the pictures in a presentation and made a layout. Then I made my script which would be explaining each step in detail for making the fingertrap. The materials that I used were a paper, pencil, scissors and ruler. A tip that I would give to the people who would be making this design is that, fold the paper properly and make the creases as perfect as possible because it has a major role for making a firm grip of your finger. I really enjoyed doing this task because I used to make origami before and I think I am improving a lot. I am very excited to complete other Summer Learning Journey tasks as well. 

SLJ (W2/A19): Kick Start 3D Paper

 LI: To make some origami stars by folding paper.

The above picture showcases the outcome of my nineteenth Kick Start Summer Learning Journey Task. Origami is a Japanese word which means paper folding, from "ori" meaning folding and "kami" meaning paper. For this activity, I started by watching the introduction video which was very helpful as I came to know the steps and materials required. To make the stars, I needed strips of paper with a length of 20 centimeters or more and a breadth of 1, 1.5 or 2 centimeters. Then I folded the piece of paper in a shape of a pentagon and pushed the sides to bend it. The bending was the most trickiest part for me, thus I watched the video again and again. Once the design is finished I clicked its picture with a suitable background. A tip I would give to others who would be making this origami is to watch the video carefully and again because, I messed up the dimension which made my previous star look a little clumsy. I really enjoyed completing this task and I am excited to complete the next part of this activity.

SLJ (W2/A18): Step it up Meri Kirihimete

 LI: To explain the game me and my whanau enjoy playing at Christmas. 

The above picture is my step it up as the eighteenth activity for the Summer Learning Journey. For this task we were asked to share the game me and my family enjoy playing at Christmas. The game my cousins and I played is called "Draw it". This game requires three or more people to have fun as it is said "more the people more the fun". To play this game some equipments that would be required are whiteboard and markers or paper and pen, per person. The game consists of a creator, guessor and the remaining players as the artists. The creator whispers something in the artists ear and that is what they draw. If there are more players they keep on guessing, and draw what they think it is, passing it on. Finally it is the guessers turn to write the answer down and show it to the creator. In the start me and my cousins played the game but by the end I played it with my uncles, aunts and parents as well. It was really fun playing with more people as we laughed at each others drawings and guesses. The thing I liked the most was that we all had a great time and I am looking forward to complete other tasks as well.

SLJ (W2/A18): Kick Start Meri Kirihimete

 LI: To create a screencastify that showcases your favourite christmas carol with your family.

The above screencastify is my step it up task as the eighteenth activity for the Summer Learning Journey. I have posted this video a little late as we were at our relative's house during Christmas and I didn't get time to complete the tasks. Because of this I couldn't record me and my family but I thought if I could make a screencastify with a collage of my family celebrating christmas with us and singing the carol in the background as it would be better than doing nothing. For making this screencastify I started by by combining all pictures I had during Christmas on a google draw. Then I asked my family to come and sing the carol in the background with the original song playing on youtube. I really liked completing this task because I enjoyed recording the carol we usually sing on Christmas. I am looking forward to complete the second part of this activity.

SLJ (W2/A17) Step it up Te Huarere

 LI: To create a screencastify with a family member to improve my maori pronunciation.

The above screencastify is my step it up task as the seventeenth activity for the Summer Learning Journey. For making this screencastify I asked my younger brother for help, so that he can ask questions and I answer them in Te Reo Maori. I think this task was very helpful to improve my maori skills because I solved the questions first and then said them while making the video. After completing this activity I learnt the use of macron in other words as well. A macron is a symbol which shows that the letter is a long vowel and must be read in a stretch. For example, in the word kāpuapua I will read "kā" at a stretch and read the rest of the words normally. I think these task was very knowledgeable for me because I learn something new every time. I am very excited to complete other Summer Learning Journey tasks as well. 

SLJ (W2/A17): Kick Start Te Huarere

 LI: To complete the slide show and learn new vocabulary.

The above presentation showcases the answers for the questions assigned on our seventeenth Kick Start Summer Learning Journey Task. I started by watching the introduction video which was very helpful as I came to know what to do for this task. Then, I learnt the meaning and pronunciation of each new vocabulary I am learning. For this activity I challenged myself by rearranging and making sentences. After completing the questionnaire I came to know that Huarere means weather, paki means sunny, pūāhuru means hot, kāpuapua means cloudy, hāuaua means rainy and tohu huarere means weather forecast. I found this activity really interesting as we used our smart searching skills to learn the meaning and increase our vocabulary in Te Reo Maori. I really liked completing this task and I am looking forward to complete the other part of this activity as well.

SLJ (W2/A16): Step it up Building a dam

 LI: To create a dam design by drawing it on paper.

The above drawing is my dam design as my sixteenth Step it up task for the Summer Learning Journey that I have created today. For this activity, I challenged myself by creating a rough diagram with labelled parts of the dam. I started by researching about the parts of a dam and seeing which are similar to the one I have created. Once I was done with collecting my information I made the diagram and labelled the parts. The three parts in my diagram are upstream, downstream and the barrier. The upstream is the water that has been stored whereas the downstream is the water which is already released. The barrier which can also be called the wall of the dam, stops the water and separates downstream from the upstream. After completing this activity I came to learn the different parts of a dam and their roles as well. I am looking forward to complete other tasks of the Summer Learning Journey as well.

SLJ (W2/A16): Kick Start Building a dam

 LI: To create a google draw which showcases the dam I have made.

The above google draw is my sixteenth Kick Start task for the Summer Learning Journey that I have created today. For this activity, I challenged myself by creating a dam in an open area with natural sources. I started by watching an introduction video which explained the topic in more detail by telling its meaning, how it is used by animals and humans, its role and its importance. I learnt that a dam is a barrier that stops the flow of water which then creates a lake or reservoir. It is often used to create hydroelectricity, irrigate the plants and control the water to stop floods or is used in an emergency like droughts. Dams are not just made and used by humans but are also used by animals such as beavers. They are called the "animal architect" as they collect branches, twigs, stones and mud to create a wall and stop the water. This then creates a pond which is used by them in winters. 

After learning this I started by creating my own dam which required an open area, twigs, stone, water and a trowel. My brother helped me in this task because he was very excited to see the outcome as well. We started by digging a hole, in the shape of a rectangle with the help of a trowel. Once we found the base (concreate) we made the wall of natural resources that we collected from the garden. We used mud as cement to make the dam more durable so that it doesn't allow the water to pass through it. After some time of working on the wall, we decided to add water and luckily it stayed. We were so happy to see the dam we created. I loved completing this task and am looking forward to complete the other part of this activity. 

SLJ (W2/A15): Step it up Maui me te ra

 LI: To create a screencastify in while reading the phrase that I have created.

The above screencastify is the second part of my fifteenth task for the Summer Learning Journey. For this challenge I have recorded myself saying the phrase that I have created on "How Maui slowed the sun". This activity was challenging for me because I couldn't really say the words properly and have messed it up many times in the screencastify as well. I found this task interesting because I learnt how to recreate a story by showing the perspective of one character. The thing I liked the most in this task was that I have improved a little bit in pronouncing the Te Reo Maori words. After completing this task I can form basic sentences in Maori as well as know the meaning of new vocabulary used in the story. I am really excited to complete other tasks for the Summer Learning Journey as well.

SLJ (W2/A15): Kick Start Maui me te ra

 LI: To create a presentation that showcases the phrase I created on "How Maui slowed the Sun".

The above presentation showcases the phrase that I have created in my own words with the title "How Maui slowed the sun" or "Maui me te ra".  For this activity we were challenged to write a phrase on the perspective of one character in the decided story. The phrase that I have created doesn't really have a rhyme and just expresses what the I was saying in sentences. I chose to write this kind of phrase because when I tried to rhyme the poem in english it didn't rhyme in Te Reo Maori and the same when other way around. As I am not that good in Maori I used the internet to help me to form sentences. This is a story that shows the perspective of Maui and what he did and thought through out the story. A short summary of the story is that Maui and his four brothers decide to save their land from the sun by reducing its power as it has been moving fast resulting the night to be long. They have prepared themselves by making ropes and decided to go to the cave from where the sun rose. In the end, Maui uses the stone he received from his ancestors to defeat the sun and make the days longer than the night. I am looking forward to complete the second part of this activity as well.

SLJ (W2/A14): Step it up Kiwi Jingle Bells

 LI: To create a screencastify with one of your family members while reciting your poem.

The above screencastify is the Step it up and fourteenth activity for the Summer Learning Journey. We were challenged to create a screencastify showcasing our poem. I asked my brother to help me with this task and came to know that saying a poem with another person is not that easy. We made several recordings and chose this one because in the others we messed up the lyrics. After completing this task I came to know the difference between celebrating Christmas in the Northern and Southern Hemisphere. The major difference is the weather as it is winter in the north and summer in the south. That is the reason why people show Santa in woollen clothes, with reindeers and a snowman. They forget that countries like Australia and New Zealand celebrate Christmas in Summers. Thus I have created this activity to tell others that Christmas is about both winter and summer, puddings and ice creams, reindeers and kiwis, snowmen and sea shells. I really liked completing this task and I am excited to complete other tasks for the Summer Learning Journey.

SLJ (W2/A14): Kick Start Kiwi Jingle Bells

 LI: To write the lyrics for our Kiwi Jingle Bells song on a presentation.

The above presentation is the Kick Start and fourteenth activity for the Summer Learning Journey. We were challenged to create our own poem which expressed how Christmas is celebrated our country. I started by watching a video "Kiwi Christmas Story" for getting some ideas and it was really very helpful. Then, I also explored NZ Christmas traditions so that I can learn and know what I can write in my lyrics. When I was writing my poem I made sure that I was including things that were unique in our country like the weather, people, places, events and objects. I loved doing this task because I came to know more about New Zealand by doing the research as well as I got a chance to express what I feel and do, through the lyrics. I think this challenge will also tell people around the world that Christmas is not just about winters and is about summers as well. I loved doing this task and am looking forward to complete other Summer Learning Journey Tasks as well.

SLJ (W2/A13): Step it up Treasure Code

 LI: To create a screencastify and explain how to encrypt and decrypt a pigpen code.

The above screencastify is my Step it up challenge and thirteenth task for the Summer Learning Journey that I completed today. In this screencastify, I have recorded myself explaining more about pigpen cipher and how it is used. I have included its meaning, when and how it was used in the past as well as an example of decoding a sentence. The fun part in this activity was that now I know how to write my secrets in a way that only I can understand and nobody else can read it. In this activity I found challenging to record myself several times because I messed up the script, as it was too long and I wanted to make it well explained. I think this activity was very knowledgeable because I came to learn something I really didn't know about and this can be useful at times. I loved completing this challenge and am excited for the next task.

SLJ (W2/A13): Kick Start Treasure Code

 LI: To create a google draw which showcases the pigpen code I created.

The above google draw is my Kick Start and thirteenth task for the Summer Learning Journey that I completed today. We were asked to create a pigpen code which would give a clue to the beach we were talking about. To start this activity I watched the introduction screencastify on the site which recommended to know more about different types of codes that were used to communicate in the past. I then watched the video in which I learnt how Pigpen Cipher code is used. First we start by creating a table that is used while playing the game called tic tac toe. Then we write the letters from left to right and use the shape of the box that is around it. We do the next nine letters in the same table but add a dot, so that we can tell that they are not the same set of letters. The remaining eight letters are used in the table of sets of four. We then make a cross symbol and write the four letters in the order of a thunderbolt, same with the last four letters but with a dot in the centre. This helped me create the clue I would give to the readers to solve and finally find the name of the beach I am thinking of. I enjoyed completing this activity because I came to know how to crack codes and also know about them in detail. 

SLJ (W2/A12): Hana Kōkō

 LI: To create your own Santa costume which represents your culture.

The above google drawings is the twelfth task of the Summer Learning Journey that that I completed today. We received a challenge in which we were asked to recreate Santa's costume but in a way that showcases our culture. First, we started this activity by reading a story written by Steph Matuku which was called Hana Kōkō. It told us how a person changed Santa's costume according to their culture by wearing a shirt printed with pohutukawa flowers, a kakahu kura and a piupiu. This activity made me think how Santa would look like if he had to dress in India. The first thing I thought of was the traditional dress that the men wear on our festivals and occasions. That's when I thought of choosing a "suit" or "kurta" as my piece of clothing on the top. For the lower part I thought of adding jeans, and a scarf as an accessory which would add an "indo-western" look to my outfit. While making the design I also made sure that I add something related to Christmas so that my work could be relatable to the topic. I really liked completing this activity because I tried to be creative by combining different types of clothing according to the conditions. I am really excited to complete other task of the Summer Learning Journey as well.

SLJ (W2/A11): Xylophone with Nanogirl

 LI: To create a screencastify showcasing the xylophone I created.

Today, I have completed my eleventh Summer Learning Journey activity and have created a screencastify that shows the xylophone I created with some glasses and water. First, I watched the introduction video Nanogirl has uploaded on her site and I came to know many new things. I started by learning the definition of a xylophone in more detail. It is a musical instrument that works due to the scientific term "sound", and that is the reason why we can hear the different pitches. Basically, a xylophone is made of wood but in this activity we found a cool alternative for it and used glasses and water instead. 

I started by collecting all the equipments that were required to run the activity which were, four glasses, water and a pencil. Then I started by putting different amount of water in each glass and checking the different sounds it created. The reason why we hear different sounds is because of the various amounts of water in it. When a pencil hits the glass filled with water, the force causes a vibration which travels through the empty space in the glass (the area without water). The more the water the lower the pitch and the less the water the higher pitch. I think this activity is like an experiment which also tells that science is included in everything, even in music!

I really enjoyed doing this activity because I came to discover some new ideas and the reason behind different things works. I never knew that a xylophone also had science behind it. I also enjoyed doing this activity because it was like creating a small toy that I didn't want to stop playing with. It was just so amazing and I didn't believe that I actually made it with just water and glasses. The tricky part in this activity would be filling the glass with different amount of water because I wasn't sure how much difference I wanted, but the outcome came out great. I think the advise I would give to the creators who haven't done the experiment yet, is to watch the video again and learn the reason why a xylophone works because it will be something very knowledgeable for you. 

SLJ (W1/A10): Step it up Summer Haiku

 LI: To create a Summer Haiku and read it on a screencastify.

The above screencastify is my Step it up Challenge which showcases my Summer Haiku as the tenth task of the Summer Learning Journey. In this task I made another Haiku which has three verses or sets following the same rules of syllables. Haiku is a traditional poem which is practised in Japan and mainly focuses on the beauty of the natural world. I think the best part about Haiku is that the creator uses key words and not actually sentences which can helps to convey the message more easily. My poem expresses the beauty of the beach as I have talked about the fresh morning breeze in the morning, the sparkling ocean and the sunset. I also liked doing this activity because I have created Haiku poems before and I think that I am improving with the better vocabulary I have used. I am looking forward to complete other tasks of the Summer Learning Journey. 

SLJ (W1/A10): Kick Start Summer Haiku

 LI: To create a Summer Haiku using your own words.

The above google drawings is the tenth Summer Learning Journey Task I have created. In this activity, I have written a Haiku which has a special theme "Summer". A Haiku is a poem, which is build on the bases of syllables. A set consists of three lines that has five syllables on the first, seven syllables on the second, and five syllables in the last line. I started the activity by watching an article and a video which explained the same rules of syllables and gave some examples as well. Now, once I was ready and knew what to write I started with my poem. My poem is about the summer and the shining sun above our heads which heats up the temperature. I enjoyed doing this challenge because I have improved my Haiku skills of writing a poem and I think that is a very beautiful way through which the poem can share their thoughts by using the key words. I am looking forward to complete my other tasks for the Summer Learning Journey as well. 

SLJ (W1/A9): Which one doesn't belong?

 LI: To complete the presentation by telling my list of reasons why each one doesn’t belong.

Today, for my ninth Summer Learning Journey Task, I completed the above presentation. These question can also be called as the "odd one out" because we first saw all the pictures and guessed which picture is different from the other and doesn't belong. But there was a twist, we could choose more than one reason and could also choose various pictures with their individual reasons. We solved eight such activities and in the end we created a questionnaire that our reader could solve and answer in the comments. I think that was the best part because I could use my opinions and could form questions of my choice. This task was one of favourites through out the Journey and I am looking forward to solve other tasks as well.

SLJ (W1/A8) Step it up Rise up

 LI: To create a screencastify with others while reciting the poem I have created.

Today, for my eighth Step it up Summer Learning Journey Task, I have made a screencastify in which I have recited the poem that I created in the Kick Start Activity. I asked my cousins to help me by saying the poem together as we were asked to tell the lyrics in a group. We made a couple of videos and chose this one as it took a long time for us to coordinate and say the chorus correctly. My lyrics have a special meaning behind it, as it says that we will achieve success if we work hard and put all our effort on what we are doing. It says that the path to your goal will not be easy and you will have to pave your way yourself. I found doing this activity very interesting because I laughed a lot with my cousins on our mistake and enjoyed working together but at the same time we also learnt an important message through the poem I created, which is to never give up and lose hope because "if you work hard, success will come to you and you will not have to run after success." I am looking forward to complete my other tasks of the Summer Learning Journey.

SLJ (W1/A8): Kick Start Rise Up

 LI: To create a text graphic to share our lyrics and the chorus of the song.

Today, for my eighth Kick Start Summer Learning Task, I wrote a poem which is called "we will rise" by being inspired from the students in Mangarere College. First, I started by watching the actual music video and then I read some song choruses like "Ocean Eyes: Billie Eilish" and "Rise: Katy Perry". They were very helpful as I got an idea of what I am making and the format of the lyrics. Then I started by creating my song and I decided that I will keep the same topic "we will rise" but with a different chorus created by me. My lyrics are about achieving success as I have said in some phrases like "high in the sky"and "to touch the stars". I have also mentioned how to never leave hope and believe in yourself with some phrases like "never stop by", "break the bars" and "to never give up". At the end I have added a picture which is a silhouette of a person trying hard to reach the summit which can be related to the real world by achieving their goals. I really liked completing this activity as we got a chance to use our creativity and write a poem in our own words, after taking some references. I am very excited to complete my other tasks of the Summer Learning Journey. 

SLJ (W1/A7): Optical Illusions

 LI: To design our own optical illusion and know its meaning.

Kick Start

Step it up

Today, for my seventh Summer Learning Task, I started by knowing what an optical illusion is. An optical illusion is when your eyes and brain are tricked to show you something else rather than what it actually is. I also came to know some interesting facts about optical illusion while doing this activity. Optical Illusion is not a present trend as it has been created since a very long time in the past and the historians also have proof for it. Once I came to know some information about optical illusions I then started making my design. I searched for some optical illusions and then chose the one, in the above picture. To create your own optical illusion you must have a ruler so that you can make shapes with the exact measurement. You can also watch video clips that are shown in the internet as I made mine while following those as well. Make sure that you use shading as it has a major role in creating illusions and tricking your mind. I tried to use all the important points like using a ruler, shading, following the instructions step by step and clicking the picture at a perfect angle to create my optical illusion. I am looking forward to complete my other Summer Learning Journey Tasks as well. 

SLJ (W1/A6): Tanerore

 LI: To create a kowhaiwhai pattern using google draw are explain what it represents. 

Today, for my sixth Summer Learning Task, I started by learning what "Tanerore" means. According to Maori dictionary, it is noun which means "heat haze" or "shimmering in the air near the ground on a hot day". In the above presentation I have explained and drawn some maori symbols that are commonly used in a kowhaiwhai pattern. Then we started by creating our kowhaiwhai pattern which was the most fun part in this activity. I started by thinking of my design and repeating it as it is a pattern. I then filled up the spaces by creating extra shapes. Finally, I selected a combination of colours to fill in my design. My kowhaiwhai pattern represents the long white clouds also known as "kapua roa ma" in maori.  The blue space is the peaceful sky, the white design is the clouds and the black diamonds are the people living on the land surrounded by the pacific sea. It showcases how the long white clouds protects the native people from the harsh sun. I really liked completing this task I could use my creativity and imagination to create a pattern as well as showcase a story. 

SLJ (W1/A5) : Step it up What are you doing today

 LI: To create a screencastify with a family member to improve my maori pronunciation.

The above screencastify is my "step it up task" as the fifth Summer Learning Journey activity. For making this screencastify I asked my younger brother for help as he asked the questions and I answered them in Te Reo Maori. I think this task was very helpful to improve my maori skills because I solved the questions first and then said them while making the video. I also think that this task was not just helpful for me but for my brother as well because he asked me questions and also started to say the maori words increasing his vocabulary. I am looking forward to complete my other tasks of the Summer Learning Journey as well. 

SLJ: (W1/A5): Kick Start What are you doing today?

 LI: To practise our maori pronunciation by solving the questions.

The above presentation showcases my finished activities for my maori pronunciation. Today, as my fifth Summer Learning Task I practices some sentences which helped me improve my maori vocabulary. First, we started by watching the introduction video that helped us to understand what we were doing today. We then practised our pronunciation and followed the instructions to create a picture of some of these activities. Today I learnt rearranging, creating and understanding maori sentences by watching some video clips. I found this activity really interesting as we used our smart searching skills to understand the meaning of each word by discussing it with our friends or searching it on the internet. We also made sure that the sentences make sense and are correct. I am looking forward to complete my other Summer Learning Journey Tasks as well.

SLJ (W1/A4): Insect Art

 LI: To create a piece of insect art

The above picture showcases my insect art as my fourth Summer Learning Journey Task. We started by watching a video which showed the art creations of a famous Japanese artist, Raku Inoue. It was very helpful as we could get some ideas as well as learn different techniques which were very efficient while making the actual art. We then went outside and collected leaves, twigs, and other plant debris to create our insect art. I used the leaf as paper and cut them into the shape of wings. I then used the twig as the body and the sticks as the antenna. 

While doing this activity, I also came to know some interesting facts about butterflies. Butterflies and moths are part of the same group of insects but have a major difference as butterflies fly in bright sunshine, where as a moth is mostly active at night. Many people think that a butterfly has two wings but they actually have four wings on either side of the body. When the butterfly's stay still they are warming themselves in the sun so that they can fly easily. I found this activity very fascinating as I could learn how to be more creative but at the same time I also learnt more facts about a butterfly.

SLJ (W1/A3): Fishy False Teeth

 LI: To create your own comic strip of an imaginary conversation.

Today, for our third Summer Learning Journey task LS2 worked with Room 5 and completed the activity above. The picture showcases the comic strip I have created with Tanisha for my summer learning journey. It has the conversation between the two characters: Cor Stoop and Hugo Slamat. We first started by reading the article and watching the video which gave a brief summary of the story. Then we started by filling a template which contained the introduction, role and outcome of each character. In the end we completed the comic by guessing what the character actually said. I found this activity interesting because we got a chance to write the dialogues of the characters making it more humorous and portray the story in our way. I am looking forward to complete my next Summer Learning Journey Challenge. 

SLJ (W1/A2): Blog Commenting

 LI: To write a quality blog comment on someone else’s blog that starts a rich learning conversation.

Today we learnt about leaving a quality blog comment on another student’s blog which helps us make connections to new learning by asking open ended questions that encourage a reply and motivate the blogger to ask their own question in return. This is how a comment thread starts and when that happens we make connections with a wider audience who we can learn with and from. This is also very helpful and knowledgeable as we share each other opinions and come to know both sides of view. A quality comment includes a positive feedback, compliment, advise and question. To complete this activity I commented on Fau, Chris, Lukah, Afatia, Florence, Sakina, Victoria and Haylee's blog. I really liked completing this task and am looking forward to comment on other blogs as well.

SLJ (W1/A1): Treasure Hunt with Nanogirl

 LI: To collect materials needed to successfully complete our weekly superpower building missions with Nano Girl.

This morning LS2 worked in groups with the Year 4 students to help them create their first Summer Learning Journey blog posts. PBS is still at school this week, so we were finding the materials we needed for our treasure hunt. The above screencastify is a collaborative work of Tanisha and I which showcases our opinions and materials collected. I liked the fact that we learnt how to find cool alternative items if we didn't have the required material. I found this activity interesting because we still don't know what we are making which is like a surprise that we need to find out. I am looking forward to complete this activity and am excited to see the outcome. What do you think the outcome will look like?

Digital Board Game

 LI: To create a digital board game for the juniors.

The above google draw showcases my designed digital board game with a Christmas theme to play with junior students. To play the game we first need to read the instructions really well and then use our counting skills to move the counter. The back story of this game is that Santa has to deliver all the presents to the houses but the Grinch has added some bombs on the way. If the counter lands on the bomb it has to go two steps behind but if it lands on the house it goes two steps forward. The ladders are like the bonus points which brings you from the bottom to the top of the board. Once we played the game with the year 4 students we taught them how to create their own game. It was really fun to work with them because they were very curious and excited to play their game with us.  

Research: Operation Christmas Drop

 LI: To write a summary of the story behind the Operation Christmas Drop in her own words.

The above presentation is a collaborative work of Afatia and me which showcases a summary of Operation Christmas Drop. This tradition is being followed for 68 years, providing basic supplies to over 60 islands supporting more than 20,000 islanders. By providing financial as well as educational support, they help the islanders make a fresh start because they lose whatever they have in natural disasters. I think these small donations are not just food and books but they are something that can make a huge difference in the lives of other people. I learned more about this topic after completing this task and also came to understand how individuals support each other as a random act of kindness.

Gold Attitude: Steve Gurney

 LI: To create a presentation on a New Zealander who has a positive attitude despite difficulties they have faced.

The above presentation showcases a very famous example of a New Zealand sportsperson who faced many difficulties in life but never gave up and had a positive attitude which is my last CARE Award Task for my Gold Attitude badge. I have included information about his professional life, achievements, struggle, positive attitude and a conclusion to explain my topic in more detail. I think he was very brave and I really inspire him for the fact that he never gave up even though he was having his hardest time in life. I found interesting that he won the coast to coast competition nine times which is a very big achievement. I liked to do this task because I came to know more about Steve Gurney and an example of a person who was very determined in life. I am very excited to get my badge as this was my last task. 

Gold Attitude: Pay it Forward

 LI: To create a Pay it Forward presentation that portrays a message to others.

The above presentation showcases a message of paying it forward as my fourth CARE Award Task for my Gold Attitude badge. I covered topics like the meaning, significance, importance and examples of positive attitude. In other words positive attitude can be said as a magnet that attracts the plus points and repels the minus points. I also included an example of how I kept a positive attitude in class so that others can understand in more detail. I am looking forward to complete my other tasks for getting my badge.

Gold Attitude: Role of SWIS

 LI: To create a presentation showcasing the role of SWIS. 

The above presentation showcases the role of SWIS as my second CARE Award Task for my Gold Attitude badge. "SWIS" stands for "Social worker in School" and is provided within our community. They make sure that every student is socially active in school. I started by explaining the meaning, role followed by importance. Our school also has a Social Worker and her name is Lupe. This is her first year in school and I really like talking to her as she is very friendly. I am looking forward to complete my other tasks for my badge.

Gold Attitude: Showing Positive Attitude

 LI: To create a video telling how to show a positive attitude.

The above video showcases how to show positive attitude as my third CARE Award Task for my Gold Attitude badge. I started by explaining the meaning and importance of positive attitude. Positive attitude is when you try to find the plus points rather than the minus points in a situation. I think it is really important to have a positive mindset, because it is one of the key reasons why a person will succeed. After completing this task I learnt more about this topic and I hope others also understood it. I am looking forward to complete my other tasks for my badge.

Gold Attitude: Tutoring with a skill

 LI: To tutor someone who needs extra help with a skill.

The above google draw showcases me helping Noelle with an extra skill as my first CARE Award Task for my Gold Attitude badge. Noelle is a student in Room 3 and is my reading buddy during our library class. Being a senior we have the responsibility of having a positive attitude and helping others whenever they want. She was a great reader but used to read the passage slowly but when we practiced it for some time she started to improve. I really liked working with Noelle and I am looking forward to complete my other tasks for my badge. 

Gold Excellence & Innovation: My Personal Passion

 LI: To create a presentation on my personal passion for my Gold CARE Awards.

The above google slide showcases my personal passion as my second task for my gold Excellence and Innovation Gold CARE Award task. I started by defining what personal passion and photography means. I have added the pictures that I clicked recently, on every slide so it can be more effective. I think that photography is about capturing a special moment in life and that is the reason why I am interested in it. After completing this activity I came to know more about my personal passion as well. I am looking forward to complete my other tasks to get my badge. 

Gold Excellence & Innovation: Mentor

 LI: To create a presentation my mentor in school for my Gold CARE Awards.

The above presentation tells about my mentor Sulia as my fifth and last task for my gold Excellence and Innovation Gold CARE Award task. I started by defining a mentor which is a person who is always there to support and advise you. Sulia has always been a good mentor as well as a friend for me because she encourages me to participate and helps me learn new things. I liked to do this activity because I came to know more about Sulia and her importance. I am looking forward to get my badge as this was my last task. 

Gold Excellence & Innovation: Transum

 LI: To complete all six days on transum and learn a times table for my Gold CARE Awards.

The above google slide showcases my work on the days on transum as my fourth gold Excellence and Innovation CARE Award task. I loved to do so many activities in the forms of games that helped me revise my time tables to 12. I think transum is very helpful because it gives it increases the difficulty level step by step and adjust according to the student. I enjoyed to the beyond activities the most because they it had a hard level which was very interesting. I am looking forward to complete my other tasks to get my badge. 

Gold Excellence & Innovation: Academic Goals

 LI: To create a presentation showcasing your personal academic goals for my Gold CARE Awards.

The above google slide showcases my personal academic goals set for this term as my third gold Excellence and Innovation CARE Award task. I think setting goals is very important because then you have a plan that you can follow. I have many goals and some of them are doing symphony math and read theory regularly. I also need to improve my blogging and reading. I have achieved some of my goals but I still need to work on some. This activity helped me to set my goals and achieve them. I am looking forward to complete my other tasks to get my badge. 

Gold Excellence & Innovation: Booklist

 LI: To create a review on the novels I read in a term for my Gold CARE Awards.

The above google slide showcases the book list as my first gold Excellence and Innovation Gold CARE Award task. In this term I read the first three books of the Harry Potter series which were- The philosopher's stone, the chamber of secret and the the prisoner of Azkaban. Each story has adventure, suspense, action which made me addicted to it. I really liked the fact that I learned new vocabulary every time I read the book. Whereas the book I loved to read the most was the Chamber of Secrets because I came to know many new characters that have a very interesting role in the further books. I am looking forward to complete my other tasks to get my badge. 

Decorating the tree

 LI: To decorate the office Christmas tree.

Today we completed our design and went to the office to decorate the school Christmas tree. The purpose for our Design Technology Challenge was to create a set of our Holiday decorations that represented our school and the people in it. We were given a design brief and a delivery date by Mr. Johnston that included the specifications for our design. To celebrate the end of this challenge LS2 delivered their completed decorations to Mr. Johnston, then hung them on our school office tree. The Christmas tree looked very attractive when all the designs representing different cultures of our school were stood together. I really liked completing this challenge and the beautiful outcome. 

Writing: Pourquoi Story

 LI: To write a pourquoi (tell me why or how) that paints a picture in the mind of the reader.

The above presentation is an animation created by Juel, Aftaia and me showcasing our pourquoi story under the topic of writing. Our challenge this week was to create a pourquoi story that we would illustrate and explain to the junior classes. A pourquoi story is a fictional story and tells us why something is the way it is. Our story tells how the snake got its scales through the above animation. The story is about neke, who was very jealous of the other animals as they had a unique appearance and then decides to sneak into Tane's cave and steal the ancient feathers of the birds from the past. She looked very beautiful but when Tane comes to know about the situation, neke feels embarrassed and gives the feathers back as well as leaves the place and never comes back. The moral of the story is that every creature on this earth is unique and always has something special that the other person does not have. Later, we shared our story with Room 2 and 4 and they loved it a lot. 

Design Technology Challenge

 LI: To design and make a holiday decoration that fits the client brief.

The above picture showcases my product or outcome of the design technology challenge. We started by asking the specifications of the product from our client, Mr. Johnston which were to have a 10 cm size,  3D effects and make a design depicting your culture. Then we started researching on what we can make, through tasks like mood board and brainstorm. That is when I decided to make an elephant and a lantern which depicts my culture. We then started by preparing for our design by making a rough sketch from all angles and the materials we will need to complete it. To do effective sewing we first practiced on a piece cloth and learnt running and blanket stitching which were used for the borders and adding a new layer of felt. I also changed a few things from our actual plan as I decided to add embellishments to make it more eye-catchy and more beautiful. Once my design was completed, I was very pleased because I didn't think it would look this good. 

Gold Confidence: Teaching to create an animation

LI: Teaching a junior student to create an animation in google slides.

The above google slides showcases the way I taught a junior student to create an animation as my first CARE Award Task for my Gold Confidence badge. To complete this task I first taught my brother the basic rules for creating an animation like the background. characters and the motion. Teaching my brother was a difficult job as the topic of animation was something new for him. Finally he made his own animation on a rainbow city and cars. I am looking forward to complete my other tasks for getting my Gold Confidence CARE Award badge. 

Gold Confidence: Standing up to bullying

 LI: To create a presentation that showcases how to stand up to bullies.

The above presentation showcases on standing up to bullies as my fourth CARE Award Task for my Gold Confidence badge. I first started by explaining what bullying is and its types. Bullying means hurting the feelings of the other person intentionally or unintentionally. Bullying can be very harmful and a serious action must be taken to stop it. I have also explained how bullying can be stopped by following some basic steps which includes stopping, seeking help, spreading awareness and helping the bullied person. I am looking forward to complete my other tasks for my badge.

Gold Confidence: Teacher Created Task

LI: To have the confidence to help someone if they do not understand something.

The above picture showcases me helping Ellenora at Tech as a teacher created task and my last task for my Gold Confidence badge. Through out this rotation of Tech I helped Ellenora learn the codes and tell her more about the mBot robots. I think by helping her I am increasing my confidence as I know how to explain the topic in more detail. I really enjoyed working with Ellenora as she is also a great friend. By completing this task I will be completing my badge and I am looking forward to complete my other badge as well.

Gold Confidence: My Desired Career

 LI: To create a presentation that showcases my desired career.

The above google slides showcases my desired career which is to be a NGO worker as my third CARE Award Task for my Gold Confidence badge. I first started by explaining the role of an NGO worker which means an employee in a non-government organisation. I want to take this career because I want to be a source of help for others and do a little better in others lives. I have always seen my aunt go to the organisation and teach the children which is also one reason of being inspired by her. By completing this activity I am more focused on my career and I am looking forward to complete my other tasks for my badge as well.

Gold Confidence: Teaching a game

 LI: To create a presentation showcasing a game you have taught to one of the junior classes.

The above google slides showcases how I taught a junior class to play a game as my second CARE Award Task for my Gold Confidence badge. To explain this task I first told what the game is and what are the equipments required. Then I explained the rules and my experience on Athletic's Day. The game I taught all the classes was called "discus" which focuses on its technique. I think this task was my favorite because it helped me boost up confidence a lot and I came to know how to step up. I am looking forward to complete my other tasks for getting my Gold CARE Award badge.