Sunday, February 27, 2011

Christchurch Earthquake

Hi All

Well, what a crazy week to say the least! I was in the centre of CHCH skiving off with a few other teachers at a lovely Italian Cafe. Cafe Valentinos when the earthquake hit - here is a photo Cafe Valentinos  It was shocking to say the least and the need to get to my kids slow and painful. But I am very lucky and my kids and family are all ok. My school - is not so good and thankfully we were shut for a paid union meeting! I am not sure when school will re-open how or when.
What has been amazing is all the support from so many people from so many places.
Thank you.

Saturday, February 19, 2011

Technology

Hi All 


I have been wondering what technology would be the best for the English classroom - Data projector with interactive white-board Vs the Android Tablet with Data projector? I am thinking if students had access to a tablet in class like the Samsung Tab and worked collaboratively on activities it could be of more learning value? What are your thoughts?

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Changes!

As with a lot of things one starts of on one train of thought and ends up somewhere quite different.
The new school year has started and somehow two weeks has already passed! I am thoroughly enjoying being at an all girls school, this has given me fresh ideas to play with in realm of English lessons.

Here is the plan
Year 9 - Social Conscience which is looking a little bit more like Holocaust and poses the all important question can one person make a stand?
Text - Hana's Suitcase, newspapers articles on conflict (students seem to be cutting up a lot on Egypt), Website for Hana's Suitcase is also useful...

Year 10 - Teen Issues (always a meaty one!) - Text is Tiggie Tompson, Poem - Advice to my teenage daughter; Music 'Video' by India Aria (can be found on Youtube); We have had a quite a discussion on tagging and clothes.

Level 1 - Discimination is the theme. Long text is 'The Wave' follow up with the dvd. We have also looked at a letter titled from hate to hope about Armenians in Canada.

Level 2 - Rules, Society, Power is the theme. Text is Lord of the Flies. Short text so far has been the ' Lottery' and an article on women in Afganistan.

I will let you know what else we get up to!